Netanyahu seeking electoral stalemate, new elections to stay in power, former adviser says

Israeli politician Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beytenu party, recently claimed in an interview with The Jerusalem Post that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has severely damaged Israel’s relationship with the United States and has become a “burden” to U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Liberman, the deterioration of relations between Israel and the U.S. under Netanyahu’s leadership has negatively impacted both Trump’s political standing and Israel’s reputation among Americans. Liberman, who has held significant roles in Israeli politics over the past three decades, including defense minister, foreign minister, and finance minister, expressed strong criticism of Netanyahu’s policies and leadership style. He emphasized that Trump has recognized the extent to which he has supported Netanyahu, and that this support is now harming him politically, particularly as the U.S. approaches its midterm elections. Liberman suggested that Trump is seeking to distance himself from Netanyahu, which he views as a necessary step to protect his own interests and restore America’s perception of Israel. According to Liberman, the damage to Israel’s image in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. He pointed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the decline in Israel’s international standing as contributing factors. He argued that the current government has failed to address these issues effectively, resulting in a worsening security and diplomatic environment for Israel. Liberman criticized Netanyahu for prioritizing personal legal matters, such as avoiding a criminal trial and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, over national security concerns. In contrast to Netanyahu’s approach, Liberman asserted that the former prime minister used to be able to assert his position when dealing with U.S. leaders like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. However, he believes that Netanyahu’s focus has shifted away from national interests, and that his current coalition is more concerned with preserving its political power than safeguarding Israel’s security and stability. Liberman described Netanyahu’s governing coalition as an “anti-Zionist coalition,” accusing it of being willing to sacrifice the military, the Israeli public, and even soldiers to maintain control. He specifically criticized the legislation backed by ultra-Orthodox (haredi) parties, which he claims encourage draft dodging during a time of acute manpower shortages within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). If elected prime minister, Liberman stated he would take a firm stance on conscripting haredim into the IDF, ensuring that no exemptions exist and that those who avoid service would lose access to state financial assistance. He also voiced disagreement with Gadi Eisenkot, the head of the Yashar Party, regarding the approach to drafting haredim into military service. Liberman further claimed that if he had been in charge, the October 7 attacks would not have occurred. He argued that Israel’s current security situation is worse than it was before the Hamas attack in 2023, indicating that the government’s handling of internal and external threats has left the country vulnerable. As the upcoming Israeli elections approach, scheduled for no later than October 27, Liberman remains a prominent figure in the opposition bloc aiming to replace Netanyahu. His party plays a central role in this effort, and his statements reflect a broader strategy to present an alternative vision for Israel’s future—one rooted in stronger national unity, stricter enforcement of military conscription, and a renewed commitment to aligning with U.S. interests without compromising Israel’s sovereignty.