Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman harshly attacked his predecessor, Moshe Ya’alon, and claims that he is in a difficult state of mind.

Lieberman was interviewed by Galei Yisrael Radio on Sunday morning 15 Tammuz, speaking to Sharon Gal, a former Knesset member from Yisrael Beitenu, Lieberman’s party. After a number of months in politics, as a member of the opposition, Gal decided to leave and return to his life in the media.

Lieberman addressed reports in the Lebanese media of progress in a deal between Israel and Hamas, a deal that would result in Israel releasing terrorists from prison in exchange for information on Israelis being held by Hamas. He stated emphatically there is no contact between Israel and Hamas and while there are ongoing tenacious efforts to demand the release of the Israelis and the bodies of IDF soldiers, there is no “breakthrough” as the Lebanese media is reporting.

Lieberman:

There is an unceasing effort, but the problem is that Hamas has no red lines, no such concept, no morality or broken heart of those parents and they are also conducting a psychological war with no inhibitions and we must take this into consideration. The unceasing effort however continues all the time.

Gal:

I am only sharpening the point regarding what you said at the beginning in order to understand if this is really the headline. You are saying there are currently no negotiations with Hamas.

Lieberman:

I say there is no breakthrough and there are ongoing efforts. We are not conducting negotiations with terrorist organizations. There are many elements in the world who are negotiating with them (Hamas)… via Egypt with other elements. However, there is no intention of sitting with Hamas murderers and conducting direct negotiations with them. Once again, there is no need to study all the issues and details in the media. Focus on quiet, serious work.

At the end of the interview, Sharon Gal asked to clarify a personal point, referring to remarks made by his predecessor, Moshe Ya’alon, on the conduct of Lieberman and Sharon Gal.

Gal:

You know Bogey Ya’alon does not stop blaming you during every Shabbos cultural event, which by the way is also connected to me, for he deliberately rejected me and sent me to hurt me in connection with Elor Azaria. Maybe let’s put it on the table once we’re talking together over the airwaves. You never sent me and …

Lieberman:

Look, we are dealing with a poor, miserable person who understands that he does not pass the threshold and he is currently building his strategy of slandering but this strategy only keeps him further from the minimum threshold to enter Knesset but apparently, he cannot understand that either. He appears incapable of internalizing this.

Gal:

You are labeling him a poor and miserable person?

Liberman:

Poor and miserable as I look at his statements and body language. Apparently, he is in a state of mind that is not simple.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)