Liberman calls for ‘decisive outcome,’ vows not to sit in government with Netanyahu
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman is campaigning for a "decisive military outcome" against Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas in the upcoming elections.
- Liberman has vowed not to join a government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing his evasion of responsibility for the October 7th massacre.
- His platform also includes calls for universal conscription, addressing crime, and establishing a constitution, emphasizing security and strategic resolution over ongoing conflict cycles.
Ahead of the upcoming elections, Yisrael Beitenu leader MK Avigdor Liberman has launched a campaign centered on achieving "decisive military outcomes" against Israel's primary adversaries: Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Speaking at a press conference in Tel Aviv, Liberman articulated a vision that moves beyond the current reality of cyclical conflict, arguing that "cycles without resolution lead to erosion, fatigue, anger, frustration, and anxiety." He stressed that defeating these groups must be the nation's top security and strategic priority, advocating for a shift towards definitive solutions rather than perpetual low-level conflict.
We need to achieve a decisive outcome, no matter how long it takes. The top priority must be defeating Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas.
Liberman also made a firm declaration regarding potential government alliances, unequivocally stating that he would not sit in a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "even if the world turns upside down." He directly linked this stance to Netanyahu's perceived failure to take responsibility for the October 7th massacre, deeming him unfit to serve. Liberman's focus is on replacing the current government and positioning himself as prime minister, indicating a clear intent to lead the country with a new security doctrine.
This is a security and strategic disaster that must be ended. We must move from a reality of cycles to a reality of decisive outcomes. Cycles without resolution lead to erosion, fatigue, anger, frustration, and anxiety.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, Liberman outlined a broader agenda encompassing six critical areas for Israel's future. The first three address the decisive military outcomes mentioned earlier. The remaining three focus on internal security and governance: implementing universal conscription without exemptions for any sector, including the ultra-Orthodox; restoring security by addressing crime and criminal organizations; and establishing a constitution to resolve the nation's "constitutional crisis." Liberman's campaign signals a strong nationalist and security-focused platform, appealing to voters seeking a decisive and uncompromising approach to Israel's challenges.
I emphasize that even if the world turns upside down, I will not sit with Netanyahu. And it’s not personal. He [Netanyahu] evaded responsibility for the [October 7] massacre and is not fit to serve.
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.