Avigdor Lieberman Outlines Five-Step Plan to Defeat Netanyahu in Upcoming Israeli Elections

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, presented a strategic five-step plan aimed at unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli elections. Speaking at the Kerem Shalom crossing on August 12, 2026, Lieberman emphasized the need for the main opposition parties to unite under a clear strategy focused on increasing voter turnout and consolidating votes within the Zionist-state camp.

Lieberman highlighted that the key to victory lies in transferring 5-6 mandates from the abstaining voter bloc rather than competing internally for votes among opposition parties. He called for raising voter turnout from the previous election’s 71% to at least 76%, noting that turnout among the Haredi community is already high, but lower in mainstream areas such as Gush Dan and the Sharon region. Achieving this turnout, he said, would enable the replacement of the current government formed on October 7 with a Zionist government that works for the people of Israel.

He also warned against vote dispersion and urged voters to support only one of the four main opposition parties to avoid losing mandates to parties that fail to cross the electoral threshold. Lieberman dismissed the chances of figures like Benny Gantz, Gilad Erdan, Hili Tropper, Yuli Edelstein, and Yoaz Hendel passing the threshold, cautioning that their participation could cost the opposition bloc 3-4 mandates.

Lieberman stressed focusing on shared goals such as establishing a state inquiry committee, equal burden sharing including universal conscription, core curriculum education, restoring personal security, limiting the prime minister to two terms, and enacting a constitution. He opposed internal conflicts within the opposition and rejected early declarations of a single candidate for prime minister, citing past failures when parties won many seats but remained in opposition.

Regarding leadership, Lieberman argued that if Naftali Bennett supports Benny Gantz or if he supports Gadi Eizenkot, both would lose significant mandates, benefiting Netanyahu’s bloc. He pledged that after a decisive victory, he would present a unifying formula accepted by all opposition parties and announce their prime ministerial candidate within days of the election. He called on all opposition members to commit firmly to this bloc strategy to secure a clear and decisive win.