Liberman criticizes Netanyahu, but stops short of saying its time for new PM

Former defense minister Avigdor Liberman says that he quit the government because it had “capitulated to terror” and pursued other “unacceptable”policies vis-a-vis Hamas in Gaza, he tells a Jerusalem Post conference. At the same time, he stops short of saying that it’s time for a prime minister different than Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I didn’t have any other choice other than to submit my resignation,” he says, declining to discuss what exactly happened in the security cabinet discussion earlier this month ahead of a much-maligned ceasefire with Hamas.

“This is not the right place to discuss what happened within our cabinet. I can assure you that what I spoke outside was the same as in the debate in the cabinet. My position was very clear and very open. I clarified many times in every forum, what I think is necessary to do. Time after time the prime minister refused to accept my position, my policy, and I think it was the right conclusion to submit my resignation.”

In an English-language interview with Jerusalem Post editor Yaakov Katz, Liberman denies that his plan was to topple the current government.

“It was a really important battle [about] what it is the right policy — to fight terror or to give up to the bully? I am sorry to say, but what happened during the last few weeks was completely unacceptable to me.”

Asked if he thinks Netanyahu’s time was over and that it was time for a new prime minister, he replies: “That’s the decision of the people of Israel. We will have elections next year and we will see what happens.”

— Raphael Ahren