Avigdor Lieberman Criticizes Israeli Aid Policy to Gaza Amid Hamas Rearmament

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Israel Beiteinu party, sharply criticized the Israeli government's policy towards Gaza, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sending hundreds of aid trucks loaded with items like cola and Nutella while Hamas continues to rearm. Lieberman posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Netanyahu is allowing the reconstruction of Gaza to begin before Hamas has been disarmed, warning that Hamas militants are still armed and observing Israeli soldiers. He argued that this approach is a return to the pre-October 7 strategy, which failed to defeat Hamas, as terror activities such as incendiary balloons and kites have resumed in southern Israel.

Earlier on the same day, Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed Israeli forces to take strong and immediate action against the renewed launching of balloons, kites, and drones from Gaza targeting communities in the western Negev and the Gaza envelope. Katz's directive followed attempts by terrorist organizations in Gaza to restart aerial attacks. Lieberman's comments highlight ongoing tensions over Israel's approach to Gaza amid security concerns following the October 7 attacks and the continued threat posed by Hamas.