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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Netanyahu a ‘burden to Trump,' dismantled US-Israel ties, Liberman tells ‘Post’ - interview

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Opposition leader Avigdor Liberman claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has damaged Israel's relationship with the US and become a liability to President Trump.
  • Liberman argues that Netanyahu's focus on avoiding prosecution has weakened Israel's standing and diplomatic ties.
  • He asserts that as prime minister, he would prioritize Israel's sovereignty and stand firm with the US when necessary.

Yisrael Beytenu leader MK Avigdor Liberman asserted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become a "burden" to US President Donald Trump, damaging Israel's relationship with the United States. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Liberman, who aims to become prime minister, stated that Trump is seeking to distance himself from Netanyahu, as the relationship is now harming the US president electorally and politically ahead of upcoming midterm elections.

Trump wants to distance himself from him (Netanyahu). The relationship has become a burden, and it is already hurting him in the upcoming US midterm elections.

— Avigdor LibermanMK and Yisrael Beytenu leader, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu's relationship with US President Trump.

Liberman, a veteran politician with extensive experience in security and diplomatic roles, criticized Netanyahu's handling of foreign relations, calling it a "severe blow to Israel's standing in American public opinion." He argued that the current situation has led to a highly negative attitude towards Israel, correlating with a decline in the Gaza Strip's condition. Liberman contended that both the security and diplomatic situations have deteriorated under Netanyahu's leadership.

This is also a severe blow to Israel’s standing in American public opinion.

— Avigdor LibermanMK and Yisrael Beytenu leader, discussing the impact of Netanyahu's actions on Israel's image in the US.

When questioned about potentially disagreeing with Trump if he were prime minister, Liberman affirmed his willingness to do so. "I would," he stated, referencing Israel's history of navigating difficult disputes with the US. "We are still a sovereign country. We are not a banana republic." He contrasted Netanyahu's current approach with past instances where the prime minister could assert Israel's position with former US presidents like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

I would.

— Avigdor LibermanMK and Yisrael Beytenu leader, responding to a question about whether he would defy President Trump if prime minister.

Liberman attributed this shift to Netanyahu's alleged priorities: avoiding his criminal trial and an ICC arrest warrant, and maintaining his coalition. He characterized Netanyahu's governing bloc as "anti-Zionist" and criticized the legislative agenda pushed by ultra-Orthodox parties within the government.

With all due respect, we need to act. We are still a sovereign country. We are not a banana republic.

— Avigdor LibermanMK and Yisrael Beytenu leader, emphasizing Israel's sovereignty in its dealings with the United States.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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