Lieberman Criticizes Eisenkot Over Election Strategy in Tense Meeting

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Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, harshly criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, in a private meeting for damaging the "change bloc's" election prospects. Lieberman accused Eisenkot's campaign, especially its focus on a minority government, of harming their chances. The dispute highlights the bloc's struggles to form a government, with Lieberman opposing coalitions involving Arab or Haredi parties.

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Avigdor Lieberman criticized Gadi Eisenkot for harming the "change bloc's" election chances.
Lieberman accused Eisenkot's focus on a minority government of damaging their prospects.
The meeting addressed the potential replacement of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Lieberman opposes coalition cooperation with Arab and Haredi parties.
Eisenkot's plan involves relying on abstentions from United Torah Judaism and Ra'am.
Yisrael Beiteinu will not join a coalition dependent on the Joint List or Ra'am.

Lieberman Criticizes Eisenkot Over Election Strategy in Tense Meeting — איור מערכת שנוצר על ידי baba News, לא צילום של האירוע.

Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman sharply criticized National Unity Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot during a meeting on Saturday night, according to a Ynet report. Sources familiar with the conversation stated that Lieberman accused Eisenkot of damaging the "change bloc's" chances of winning the election with his campaign, particularly his focus on the possibility of forming a minority government.

One of the issues discussed was the potential replacement of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana before the next government is formed. Lieberman reportedly questioned Eisenkot's ability to nominate a suitable and experienced candidate from his party for the role. This confrontation occurs amid difficulties within the "change bloc" in forming a government, partly due to Lieberman's firm opposition to coalition cooperation with Arab and Haredi parties.

The tension escalated after Eisenkot approved exploring the formation of a government that would rely on the abstention of United Torah Judaism and Ra'am, with MK Yoav Segalovitz being the sole active supporter. While this move does not involve negotiations with the Joint List, it is based on the assessment that the party would not oppose a government aimed at replacing Prime Minister Netanyahu. MK Ahmed Tibi has previously stated his party's interest in ousting the Netanyahu government.

Lieberman reiterated his stance over the weekend, stating that Yisrael Beiteinu would not join a coalition dependent on the Joint List or Ra'am. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) a series of statements from MKs of these parties, which he claimed prove there is no basis for cooperation. He cited MK Ofer Cassif's support for the proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, remarks by MK Yasser Hijrat from Ra'am regarding Hamas, and statements by Osama Saadi on election night at the Joint List's headquarters.

"Whoever wants to rely on supporters of terrorism, so be it. Yisrael Beiteinu will not be there," Lieberman concluded. Both Yisrael Beiteinu and the National Unity Party declined to comment on the report of the exchange during the meeting.