Avigdor Lieberman Criticizes Government for Blocking IDF Response to Hamas Training Near Gaza Border

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Israel Beiteinu party, sharply criticized the Israeli government following a report by Channel 12 about an unusual incident near the Gaza Strip. Lieberman revealed that IDF forces identified about 50 Hamas-affiliated Nukhba unit militants conducting training exercises to raid and seize a Jewish settlement. Despite requests from IDF commanders on the ground to carry out an immediate targeted strike against the militants, the political leadership ordered them not to engage, forbidding even warning shots.

Lieberman condemned this as "surrender to terror" and a return to the policy of restraint that he said led to the October 7 attacks. He made these remarks after visiting the Gaza border area and meeting with regional commanders. He also claimed that the IDF has effectively completed its withdrawal to the outpost line, leaving no soldiers between the outposts and the yellow concrete barriers.

The incident occurred shortly after the next phase of the 15-point plan took effect. The IDF detected suspicious militant activity suggesting preparations to cross the yellow line, prompting heightened alert and troop mobilization along the fence. However, the military chose not to respond with force, citing a lack of a specific target. Soldiers on the scene expressed frustration to Channel 12, saying they wanted to attack to maintain deterrence but were denied permission, feeling their hands were tied against militants allegedly preparing for future attacks.

This episode has sparked criticism of the government’s security policy and raised concerns about the IDF’s operational freedom in Gaza’s volatile border area.