Lieberman Outlines Election Strategy and Rejects Minority Governments
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman rejects minority governments, outlines proposals involving Jordan for Judea and Samaria, and critiques Benjamin Netanyahu's policies ahead of the Israeli Knesset elections.
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beytenu, remains a central figure in Israel's upcoming Knesset elections, balancing strict political red lines with a strong confidence in securing a 61-seat majority to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking on the 120 VeAhat podcast hosted by Moran Azulay, Lieberman addressed key political strategies, rejecting the notion of a minority government and presenting proposals for regional cooperation.
Opposition to a Minority Government
Lieberman strongly criticized proposals from political allies regarding a potential minority government or reliance on Arab parties to remove Netanyahu, calling it a fatal mistake both morally and practically.
"I think the issue of a minority government is a fatal mistake. Both on a moral level and on a practical level. On a moral level, Ra'am MK Yaser Hujeirat said just a few weeks ago on television that Hamas is a charity organization. Ofer Cassif from Hadash-Ta'al joined South Africa's lawsuit at the International Court of Justice against IDF soldiers. I do not want to rely on these people. It is not morally right," Lieberman stated.
From a practical standpoint, Lieberman warned that an unstable minority government would quickly collapse, ultimately paving the way for Netanyahu's return with an expanded majority for a full four-year term.
Regional Strategy and Jordan
Addressing his controversial diplomatic proposal involving the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the governance of Judea and Samaria, Lieberman argued that inaction would lead to international recognition of a Palestinian state within two and a half years under pressure from the United States.
"My solution to prevent this is to launch an initiative. When you ignore a problem, it explodes in your face, just like with Hamas in the Gaza Strip," Lieberman said. He proposed that while Israel maintains security control and Jewish communities remain anchored in Area C, civil administration and public order in Arab-populated areas could be coordinated with Jordan to prevent a security vacuum filled by extremist factions.
Criticism of Netanyahu and Qatar
Lieberman launched sharp attacks against Netanyahu, addressing past financial transfers to Gaza and handling of security warnings. He asserted that Netanyahu personally promoted Qatari funds entering Gaza as part of a political strategy, citing cabinet protocols and historical decisions.
Commenting on the broader political landscape and potential successors, Lieberman emphasized that his immediate focus is strictly on securing a decisive victory for the 'Block of Those Who Serve'—referring to parties representing citizens who serve in the military, work, and pay taxes—rather than dividing cabinet portfolios prematurely.
