Lieberman warns Israel won't exist in 2026 under current Netanyahu-led government

Right-wing former Israeli deputy prime minister Avigdor Lieberman said his country won't exist as a nation if the coalition government continues by 2026.

The Yisrael Beiteinu leader slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government's handling of its war on Gaza and inability to prevent a Hamas-led attack on 7 October, saying it is leading to Israel's destruction.

Israel saw a Likud-led coalition government come to power in 2022 but has run by a cross-party war cabinet since the start of the assault on Gaza — a shaky alliance which includes far-right and centrist opposition parties.

Lieberman, who has been a fierce critic of Netanyahu, told Israeli newspaper Maariv on Friday that the premier has drove Israel to destruction and his sole aim is to remain in power.

Lieberman blamed Netanyahu for the 7 October attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people, and accused the PM of helping Hamas over the years with the release of leaders and members, including Yahya Sinwar, the group's Gaza chief.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed 38,345 people, according to the Palestinian enclave's health ministry.

Netanyahu faced heavy criticism domestic criticism following the outbreak of the Gaza war after the shock 7 October attack took place on his watch.

On the international level, there is increasing pressure for a ceasefire after more than nine months of fighting with South Africa accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Israel's next parliamentary elections are due to take place by October 2026.