Former Agriculture Minister (Yisrael Beitenu) Yair Shamir blames party leader Avigdor Lieberman for the party’s failure in the elections. The party had 13 seats in the previous Knesset and has dropped down to 6 in the current 20th Knesset.

Speaking to Galei Yisrael Radio’s Menachem Horowitz, Shamir explained a decision was made regarding a certain policy line ahead of elections and the outcome of the elections proves that decision was not correct. Shamir, who announced he is stepping down before elections, explained he was not a part of the elections strategy team or the formulation of the party’s agenda.

Shamir added “I don’t like to grade people but I will say Avigdor Lieberman is a polished politician. He took a calculated risk and the results are what they are. I hope for improvement next time around”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)