Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party in Israel and a former defense minister, made remarks about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an event held in Herzliya on Tuesday.
Lieberman said he had no doubt that Netanyahu was seeking a military move before the general election scheduled for October 27. Listing Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas among the possible targets of such an operation, Lieberman argued that the move could be linked to Netanyahu’s desire to remain in power.
The Israeli opposition leader alleged that Netanyahu was prioritizing his political future over national security concerns. The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported Lieberman’s remarks.
Lieberman also said Netanyahu should not serve in a government that could be formed under opposition leadership after the election. Saying that Netanyahu could not even serve as a minister for regional cooperation in such a government, Lieberman stated that the prime minister should step down.

Israel’s parliament was dissolved on July 17 ahead of the general election scheduled for October 27.