WANA (Aug 18) — Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the “Israel Our Home” party (Yisrael Beiteinu), has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. In recent remarks, Lieberman shared a story reflecting the Israeli cabinet’s fear of confronting Hezbollah, attributing the ongoing strength of resistance groups like Hezbollah and Hamas to Iran’s support.

 

Lieberman, who previously served as Israel’s Minister of Finance (2021-2022), Minister of Defense (2016-2018), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2009-2012), and Minister of Strategic Affairs (2006-2008), recounted an incident from 2016 during his tenure as Defense Minister.

 

He described how the cabinet members nearly experienced a panic attack merely by discussing a preemptive strike against Hezbollah, highlighting their deep-seated anxiety about such an action.

 

According to Lieberman, the failure to execute the planned strike was due to political hesitancy, as each government prefers to delay significant military decisions. He criticized the delay, emphasizing that despite discussions, the fear of initiating an attack was palpable.

 

Lieberman, as reported by the newspaper Maariv, expressed frustration with Israel’s focus on the immediate threats from Hezbollah and Hamas while neglecting the broader strategic threat posed by Iran and its allies. He argued that the resistance groups—Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and Hamas—would not exist without Iranian support, including arms, funding, and logistical backing.

 

He stressed that defeating Hezbollah or Hamas without addressing Iran’s nuclear program and broader influence would be futile. Lieberman called for Israel to shift its focus and resources toward countering Iran’s regional power rather than being drawn into prolonged conflicts with its proxies.

 

Lieberman, known for his controversial and extreme positions, was born in 1958 in Moldova and emigrated to Israel in 1978. He began his career as a nightclub bouncer before working in Azerbaijan and then joining the Israeli military. He later obtained his degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and joined the Likud party.