Lieberman: ‘Israel will not exist in 2026 under Netanyahu government’

Leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party Avigdor Lieberman claimed that if the current ruling coalition and the Knesset continue until 2026, Israel will not exist, slamming the current government’s management of the war on the Gaza Strip and its failure to prevent the attack on 7 October.

In an interview published by Maariv on Friday, Lieberman said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led Israel to destruction, adding that Netanyahu’s sole aim is to remain in power for as long as possible.

Lieberman also remarked that Israel is facing existential threats and a multi-dimensional political, economic and security crisis that is the most significant since its establishment.

Lieberman considered Netanyahu primarily responsible for the 7 October attack. He accused him of having provided Hamas with the means of strength by releasing its leaders, including its late founder, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, its current head in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, and more than a thousand of its members in a previous exchange deal, and allowing money to reach the group.

According to the Yisrael Beiteinu leader, the 7 October attack could have been prevented if the current government officials had been thinking “outside the box”.

Lieberman previously called on the Netanyahu government to leave and said that removing Netanyahu would be a reward for Israelis.

READ: Rishq: ‘Netanyahu stalling ceasefire agreement’