Avigdor Liberman

No. 15: Netanyahu's key partners and challengers shaping Israel's future

Following the October elections, the influence of these figures could change dramatically, depending on the balance of power between Netanyahu’s camp and the opposition bloc.

(L-R clockwise) Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, Arye Deri, Gideon Sa'ar, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman, Yuli Edelstein.
Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot at a march for conscripting haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews into the IDF, in Jerusalem, January 15, 2026; illustrative.

Bennett-Liberman, Eisenkot-Golan: Opposition parties sign surplus vote-sharing agreement

Naftali Bennett (L), Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Liberman.

Opposition leaders vow to form Oct. 7 probe as first act of new gov't, demand truth from Netanyahu

Yisrael Beytenu's chairman Avigdor Liberman.

Liberman unveils Yisrael Beytenu's election list with Rafi Ben Shitrit second, Sharon Sharabi sixth


Ultra-Orthodox MK Goldknopf asks Netanyahu to finance Chabad's trip to New York

This comes after the Breslov hassidim received a framework that allows for NIS 10 million to be used in their Rosh Hashanah pilgrimages to Uman, Ukraine.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf seen in Jerusalem, September 27, 2023

Gov't to fund haredi draft dodgers' Rosh Hashanah pilgrimages to Uman, Ukraine

Opposition MKs Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman slammed the move, which allocates NIS 10m., as an irresponsible use of public funds, especially during a war.

 Jews in the streets of Uman, a day after the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 18, 2023.

Lapid slams Gantz's proposal: 'No need to sit in gov't alongside Ben-Gvir and Smotrich'

Lapid rejected Gantz’s unity government proposal, stressing that there is no need for cooperation with far-right leaders to secure hostages and criticizing Netanyahu’s focus.

Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz, Opposition Leader and Yesh Atid chair MK Yair Lapid against hostage poster backdrop. (illustration)

From national savior to political casualty: The rise and fall of Benny Gantz - analysis

Gantz's steep decline can be traced to June 9, 2024, when he resigned from the government after issuing an ultimatum a month earlier demanding that Netanyahu present a post-war plan. 

Head of Blue and White party MK Benny Gantz speaks during press conference in Tel Aviv on August 23, 2025.

Tune into today's top stories: IDF secures Jabalya, Gantz calls for unity government

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise.

Head of the Avoda party Yair Golan, head of National Unity party Benny Gantz, head of Yesh Atid party Yair Lapid and head of Israel Beyteinu party Avigdor Liberman hold a joint press conference at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on November 6, 2024.

'A pitiful show': Liberman rejects Gantz's hostage redemption gov't proposal

Gantz has entered two unity governments under Netanyahu in the past. The last time was after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

Blue and White party head Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beytenu party chair Avigdor Liberman.

Netanyahu nurtured Hamas 'for years,' Avigdor Liberman charges

Liberman said that "time after time," Netanyahu prevented targeted strikes against Hamas leaders, which he claimed eventually led to his departure from the government.

 Head of Israel Beyteinu party Avigdor Liberman adresses the Israeli parliament on June 09, 2025.

Gov’t ministers, coalition MKs condemn nationwide protests, opposition affirms support

President Isaac Herzog spoke at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where he said, "There is not a single Israeli who does not want the hostages home."

Israelis block road 1 near Latrun, while attending a protest calling for the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, August 17, 2025.

October 7 gov't seeks to take control of IDF, not conquer Gaza nor overthrow Hamas - opinion

I hope that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, the last reasonable voice around the cabinet table, fully understands the magnitude of the move being plotted against him.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir seen at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City

'Your job is to ensure Hamas does not lead you astray': Lapid slams Netanyahu for admission

The Israeli opposition criticized Netanyahu’s statements during his press conference, where he addressed details of the new IDF Gaza operation and hostage talks.

 Opposition head MK Yair Lapid speaks at a press conference in Jerusalem, April 20, 2025