Yotam Zamri Challenges Avigdor Lieberman’s Claims on Israel’s Security Situation

During a broadcast on Channel 14's program The Patriots, panelist Yotam Zamri responded sharply to comments made by Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, regarding Israel's current security situation. Lieberman had asserted that the security conditions in Israel are worse now than they were before the October 7 massacre. Zamri countered by pointing out that Lieberman was serving as Israel’s finance minister just prior to October 7, highlighting a contradiction in Lieberman’s statements.

Zamri recalled that when questioned about why he did not assume the role of defense minister during that critical period, Lieberman had replied that "nothing could be done" about security at the time. Lieberman reportedly said he chose the finance portfolio because he believed security efforts would be ineffective, especially following the inclusion of Mansour Abbas in the government coalition. Zamri emphasized this inconsistency, noting that Lieberman accepted the finance minister role precisely when he claimed the security situation was dire.

The exchange underscores ongoing political debates in Israel about responsibility and preparedness ahead of the October 7 attacks. Lieberman’s remarks and Zamri’s rebuttal reflect tensions within Israeli politics over the handling of national security and government decisions in the lead-up to the recent conflict.