Israel is entirely mismanaging the war and missing a critical opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah and topple the Iranian regime, Yisrael Beytenu chairperson MK Avigdor Liberman told The Jerusalem Post on Monday, laying out his own strategy for victory.
Liberman has served in key security and diplomatic positions in previous governments, including as defense minister, foreign minister, and finance minister.
Though many opposition party leaders have voiced support for Operation Roaring Lion and called to set aside differences during wartime, Liberman told the Post that he could no longer maintain that stance.
“It’s impossible to remain silent in the face of all this absurdity,” he told the Post.
Israel could have already eliminated surrounding threats and avoided this additional war, “without a doubt,” he said.
Liberman outlined that, at this point in the war, Israel must have two objectives: the overthrow of the regime in Iran and the complete elimination of Hezbollah.
Regarding Lebanon, Liberman explained that a ground operation “could not be avoided,” while adding that what is required to eliminate Hezbollah is a combined military and diplomatic approach.
“If once again we go for a limited operation, some maneuver near the border, maybe talk about a security zone, it’s complete madness,” he said.
Israel must 'jump on the opportunity'
Laying out his strategy to eliminate Hezbollah, Liberman said that Israel must “jump on the opportunity” to negotiate with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
“The Lebanese army is weak and incapable of dismantling Hezbollah,” he said. “But Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese government, which the whole world recognizes as a legitimate government and president, can give Israel legitimacy for our move.”
“There must be a comprehensive move to eliminate Hezbollah. And that move must combine diplomacy, regional cooperation, and IDF ground operations, not just activity within a security zone.”
“Second, a regional coalition must be established. We need to recruit both the Christians and the Sunnis inside Lebanon. We have our channels; we know how to speak directly with both Christians and Sunnis,” Liberman said.
He also called on Israel to “enlist Saudi Arabia, which leads the Sunni world and has significant influence within Lebanon, especially over the Sunnis. “
“First, you gain legitimacy, then you create a regional coalition, and then you begin real operations.”
“You cannot be deterred, you should not be deterred, and you cannot avoid ground operations, focused and precise where necessary. That’s how you bring an end to the Hezbollah story,” Liberman said.
Regarding Iran, Liberman’s solution to topple the regime was for Israel to fully destroy the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas and Kharg Island.
“Destroy them, even if it comes at the cost of friction with the Americans,” Liberman said, noting that the move would require dropping a thousand munitions at the port, and another 500 on Kharg Island.
“Once you destroy all the infrastructure, the energy facilities, and the docks, there is no Iran. Iran cannot function; it becomes a non-functional state.”
“They’re trying to hit Ben-Gurion Airport, the port of Haifa, the port of Ashdod. Why are we giving them a discount?” he questioned.
“The regime holds about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. Four hundred and forty kilograms is enough for 10 nuclear bombs. And once you have uranium at 60%, the moment the decision is made, it will only take them between six and 10 months to produce a bomb,” Liberman warned.
Revenge - the Iranian priority
He also explained that the Iranian priority was to take revenge on Israel.
“They are saying: we will not settle accounts, we will not calm down. And it’s clear that as long as this regime remains in power, the next confrontation is inevitable.”
Liberman told the Post that he did not think the government could achieve the objectives of eliminating Hezbollah and toppling the Iranian regime, despite what he said was a clear opportunity to do so.
When asked why he was now speaking out about the government’s conduct in the war, Liberman said that he had “been trying to hold back.”
“Two days ago, I called the defense minister [Israel Katz] and asked to meet him to share some ideas and thoughts about managing the war. I received no response,” he said.
When asked if he believed he was harming Israel’s international standing by speaking out against the government’s conduct in the war, Liberman explained that he had initially made an effort for unity during the war.
“A week ago, I removed our [Yisrael Beytenu’s] no-confidence motion against the government [in the Knesset].”
However, he said that after seeing the coalition advancing controversial legislation in the Knesset rather than focusing on wartime needs, he could no longer maintain his stance.
“It cannot be that one side follows the rules of the game while the other side ignores them,” he added.
“Traditionally, during wars, governments removed controversial issues from the agenda and focused only on consensus matters. This government, during a war, is bringing up the most controversial issues.”
“When you see one side continuing to lie and manipulate, refusing to negotiate with Joseph Aoun, which is a serious mistake, and they don’t listen or agree to meet quietly, then you are left with few alternatives.”