Avigdor Lieberman made defence minister after deal with Benjamin Netanyahu
The hard-line nationalist has become Israel's second most powerful politician, after singing a coalition agreement
Ultra-nationalist party leader Avigdor Lieberman became Israel’s new defence minister this week, after his small parliamentary bloc struck a deal to join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition.
The leader of Yisrael Beitenu, which draws its support from Russian-speaking Israelis, now replaces respected former chief of staff Moshe Ya’alon as Israel’s second most powerful politician.
Resigning last week, Ya’alon said Israel had been overrun by “extremist and dangerous elements,” a warning echoed by another former defence minister, Ehud Barak, who said Israel was infected by “seeds of fascism”.
Lieberman, a former foreign minister known for upsetting allies, has been investigated for corruption after colleagues alleged that he made friends ambassadors in return for them passing him confidential information about a police probe into separate corruption allegations. He was found not guilty.
He is also adamantly opposed to a two-state solution, having previously suggested “transferring” Israel’s Arabs out of the country.
Yet despite Lieberman’s inclusion this week, Netanyahu said: “I am committed to promoting the peace process. I am committed to make every effort to reach an agreement.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
