The relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, has been tumultuous to say the least. The two men have clashed on numerous occasions over a variety of issues, leading to Lieberman’s resignation from his position as Defense Minister in November 2018. Here is a timeline of some of the most notable clashes between the two political figures:
1. March 2016: Lieberman accuses Netanyahu of being too soft on Hamas
During a security cabinet meeting, Lieberman reportedly accused Netanyahu of being too soft on Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. Lieberman argued that Israel should take a stronger stance against Hamas, including launching a military operation to overthrow the group’s leadership.
2. May 2016: Netanyahu offers Lieberman the position of Defense Minister
Despite their differences, Netanyahu offered Lieberman the position of Defense Minister in his government. Lieberman accepted the offer and was sworn in as Defense Minister in May 2016.
3. July 2017: Clashes over security policy
Netanyahu and Lieberman clashed over security policy, with Lieberman reportedly pushing for a more aggressive approach towards Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Netanyahu, on the other hand, was more hesitant to launch a full-scale military operation.
4. November 2018: Lieberman resigns as Defense Minister
After a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas following a flare-up of violence in Gaza, Lieberman announced his resignation as Defense Minister. In his resignation speech, Lieberman criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the security situation in Gaza, accusing him of being too soft on Hamas.
5. April 2019: Lieberman forms his own political party
Following his resignation as Defense Minister, Lieberman formed his own political party, Yisrael Beiteinu. He ran in the April 2019 Israeli elections, positioning himself as a right-wing alternative to Netanyahu’s Likud party.
6. November 2019: Netanyahu fails to form government, Lieberman refuses to join coalition
After the April 2019 elections resulted in a deadlock, Netanyahu was unable to form a government. Lieberman refused to join a coalition led by Netanyahu, citing their differences on security policy and other issues.
Overall, the clashes between Netanyahu and Lieberman highlight the deep divisions within Israeli politics, particularly when it comes to security policy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the two men have worked together in the past, their relationship has soured over time, ultimately leading to Lieberman’s resignation and the formation of his own political party. As Israel continues to navigate its complex security challenges, the rivalry between Netanyahu and Lieberman is likely to continue shaping the country’s political landscape.