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Lieberman: Netanyahu is using the war to stay in power

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media + Al Mayadeen English
19 Dec 2023 13:37
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Quoted by Israeli media, Avigdor Lieberman accuses Netanyahu of twisting the war for his own benefit and power.

Former Israeli Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman speaks to journalists at the weekly cabinet meeting, in occupied al-Quds, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022 (AP)

Israeli media quoted Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, in what it called "harsh" claims of Netanyahu using the war in Gaza as a means to stay in power.

In detail, Israeli media reported that "Lieberman continues to attack Netanyahu, claiming that the continuation of the war serves him politically."

In an interview for Israeli radio Reshet Bet, Lieberman said, "There is a turbulent war cabinet here that does not understand what it [the war] leads to," adding that "the Yom Kippur war lasted 19 days, and here we are fighting for 74 days and still in the process of assimilation in the north, and we cannot ignore Ansar Allah as well."

It was after this statement that Lieberman accused Netanyahu of using the war to assimilate political power.

A collapse in Netanyahu's reign?

This comes amid internal Israeli divisions over Netanyahu's political and war conduct, and how he is essentially utilizing the war for his own benefit.

The current direction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the ongoing war on Gaza is "to continue the fighting," Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Monday.

This approach is marred by a decline in popular support, which initially grew following the operation. However, Netanyahu has now become a source of doubt and concern among Israelis, the report said, adding that "Israel is approaching a dangerous reality of stagnation."

Addressing the matter further, a Financial Times editorial highlighted Netanyahu's current position against the unfolding events, especially when it comes to the United States.

According to the report, "Israel", led by Netanyahu, has enjoyed unwavering support from US President Joe Biden, despite the relentless aggression on Gaza, which has so far resulted in over 19,400 Palestinian martyrs and over 52,000 wounded, not to mention the destruction to the infrastructure unseen since WWII.

However, last week, Biden openly addressed Netanyahu and the right-wing government he heads, condemning the “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza and emphasizing that the Israeli Prime Minister "has to change."

Biden's statements signify a mounting discomfort in Washington regarding the entity's actions in Gaza, the extensive devastation, and the rising death toll. These remarks also shed light on more extensive concerns about Netanyahu's government and the influence of his coalition allies, represented by far-right extremists, the FT publication said.