ליברמן במליאת הכנסת
ליברמן במליאת הכנסתצילום: דוברות הכנסת, עדינה ולמן

MK Avigdor Liberman, Chairman of Yisrael Beytenu, attacked the Prime Minister by describing different ways Netanyahu had allegedly punished political adversaries.

"The nominated minister, Mr. Moshe Feiglin - I suggest you frame the [ministerial assignment] with Netanyahu's signature and put it up for sale on eBay. That's the most you'll get for it," Liberman said, referring to Netanyahu's vow to tap Feiglin as a minister in exchange for dropping out of the September 2019 election.

Liberman moved on to Jewish Home head Rafi Peretz, whom Netanyahu had allegedly promised the Education portfolio in return for breaking away from Yamina: "I want to congratulate the intended Minister of Education - Rabbi Rafi Peretz who broke under the heavy pressure exerted by the Prime Minister, broke his word to Itamar Ben-Gvir [and the coalition deal with the Otzma party] and bid farewell to Yamina [by accepting the Jerusalem Affairs portfolio in return for breaking up the party]. And all this at the last minute before the final date for submitting party lists on January 16. After the televised drama came to a close, it became clear that the prime minister had promised Rabbi Rafi Peretz that no matter the election results, Rabbi Peretz would remain the intended Minister of Education. Even if cast aside by his own party, he would remain the intended Minister of Education. So my congratulations to Rabbi Rafi Peretz, the intended Minister of Education," he quipped.

Liberman moved on to Likud MK Nir Barkat, "Now I want to congratulate the designated Minister of Finance, Mr. Nir Barkat. Another political drama occurred on February 13, 2020. At an election conference in Or Yehuda, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared: "I've selected Nir Barkat to be the Finance Minister [in the next government]. So congratulations to all the intended ministers. Now you know that we have a generous prime minister who distributes free checks, but what can you do with all the free checks [if they end up bouncing?]"

"Of course, my congratulations to members of Yamina who have signed countless times on a declaration of loyalty to Netanyahu. How did the left-wing newspaper known as Israel Hayom say it today?" Liberman mocked the religious Zionist party.

Liberman then went on to warn Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, alleging that Netanyahu was already in the process of setting him up in order to get rid of the competition.

The last of the Yisrael Beytenu chief's attacks may be related to recent reports regarding negotiations between current Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and Ashkenazi when Mandelblit was appointed as Military Advocate General and Ashkenazi as IDF chief of staff.