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Lieberman Accuses Eisenkot of Seeking Coalition with Netanyahu
On Friday, 11 days before the scheduled elections, Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman launched a sharp attack on Gadi Eisenkot, accusing him of planning to form a coalition government with Benjamin Netanyahu and Haredi parties. Lieberman claimed that Eisenkot's campaign strategy violates agreements among opposition bloc leaders and is designed to siphon votes from within their own bloc to secure a strong negotiating position with Netanyahu, potentially as a senior partner in a rotation.
3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since
What happened
- 01Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman accused Gadi Eisenkot on Friday of planning to form a coalition with Benjamin Netanyahu and Haredi parties.
- 02Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's campaign strategy violates agreements among opposition bloc leaders by siphoning votes from within their own bloc.
- 03Lieberman cited comments by Minister Miki Zohar and an initiative by President Isaac Herzog as evidence of a potential Netanyahu-Eisenkot government.
- 04Lieberman criticized Eisenkot's conscription stance, contrasting Yisrael Beiteinu's demand for universal draft with Eisenkot's plan allowing some deferrals.
- 05Lieberman reiterated that Yisrael Beiteinu will refuse to join any coalition dependent on Arab or Haredi parties.
- 06Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot and criticized Lieberman's political achievements following the accusations.
- 07Eisenkot urged voters to focus on the pivotal election, warning that the public would not forgive politicians who block change.
Lieberman cited several factors to support his suspicions, including comments from Minister Miki Zohar regarding potential cooperation, an initiative by President Isaac Herzog for a Netanyahu-Eisenkot government, and White House briefings. He also criticized Eisenkot's stance on Haredi conscription, arguing it would perpetuate draft exemptions, and recalled Eisenkot describing the Shas party as having Zionist components. Lieberman reiterated that Yisrael Beiteinu will refuse to join any coalition reliant on Arab or Haredi parties.
In response, Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot and criticized Lieberman's political record. Eisenkot himself urged voters to focus on the pivotal upcoming election, warning that the public would not forgive politicians who block change. According to Ynet, a senior bloc figure confirmed Lieberman's anger over Eisenkot's campaign tactics, viewing them as a breach of agreement.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Ynet. Read Ynet’s originalThe coverage
3 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- Centre1
- RightNone
- HarediNone
- Arab2
