Avigdor Lieberman Accuses Government of Blocking IDF Response to Terrorist Drills Near Gaza

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Israel Beytenu party, claimed on Wednesday that no Israeli soldiers remain between the blue line and the yellow concrete barriers near the Gaza border. During a visit to the Kerem Shalom crossing and Kibbutz Be'eri in the Gaza envelope, he said the IDF forces have fully withdrawn to their fortified positions, contradicting official government statements that troops remain in place. Lieberman accused the political leadership of using the directive not to evacuate the concrete barriers as a smokescreen.

Lieberman revealed that two nights prior, IDF forces detected about 50 militants from the Nukhba unit conducting a raid drill simulating the takeover of a Jewish settlement. Despite commanders on the ground requesting immediate action, the political echelon ordered no engagement, forbidding even warning shots. He criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for relinquishing Israel's independent security decision-making to the United States, asserting that Israel cannot move without Washington's approval.

Lieberman further condemned the ongoing flow of goods into Gaza, alleging that 20% of the value is siphoned off by Hamas, with Netanyahu consenting to transfer $400 million to Gaza suppliers. He described the arrangement as a financial lifeline for Hamas, including forced purchases through Turkish intermediaries that launder Hamas funds. He called the current government "bankrupt" and unfit to govern.

During his visit to Kibbutz Be'eri, Lieberman met with local security coordinators and expressed deep concern over the situation. He accused the Prime Minister of hiding critical details from the security cabinet and the public, including approval of an agreement between UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov and Hamas, which Lieberman labeled a capitulation to terrorism.

Lieberman's statements highlight growing political tensions over Israel's security policy and handling of the Gaza conflict following the October 7 attacks.