Avigdor Lieberman Blames New Parties for Election Loss to Netanyahu

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, expressed frustration over the recent election defeat to Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview on 103FM on August 18, 2026. He sharply criticized the frequent emergence of new political parties, attributing the loss to their decision to run independently instead of joining established parties. Lieberman stated, "You had the chance to integrate into existing parties, but due to ambitions, you chose to compete. Don’t interfere; you have no chance." He noted that none of these new parties are expected to pass the electoral threshold, but they could collectively cost the right-wing bloc three Knesset seats.

Lieberman also revealed that all new parties received generous offers to join established factions, including from him, but each pursued their own ambitions. He recalled that since 1977, about 15 new lists have appeared and disappeared without lasting impact, naming examples such as Migdal Yadin, Kadima, and others. He warned that "too many things are at stake now."

When asked if he sees Yisrael Beiteinu as the successor to the historic Likud, Lieberman affirmed that it is currently the only true national-liberal movement in Israeli politics and urged all genuine Likud supporters to vote for his party. Regarding the Likud’s candidate list, he accused Netanyahu of constructing a list designed to lose, focused on preventing a 51% majority against him and avoiding the formation of an alternative recognized faction in the Knesset. Lieberman said Netanyahu’s calculations aim to maintain internal control and prevent losing the majority within the party.