Liberman warns against rushing exit-poll conclusions and calls Likud to rise against Netanyahu
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Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman said the final results will be clearer on Friday, urged people not to be misled by early exit polls, and called on Likud members to rebel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beytenu, addressed his party after Tuesday night’s exit polls, stressing that the true picture would only emerge early on Friday, when the special double-envelope ballots are counted. He pointed out that about 15 Knesset seats’ worth of votes remain uncounted and said the pending results could further strengthen his party.
Liberman said the special ballots, which include votes from soldiers and other voters using unique voting arrangements, are expected to reduce the relative strength of Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties. He urged his supporters to be patient until the complete results are announced.
He launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the prime minister “behaved today like the head of a criminal organization, crossing every red line.” Liberman also blamed certain media outlets and Netanyahu’s supporters for incitement, and vowed to assemble a “Zionist coalition” to bring it to an end.
"I received dozens of phone calls from Likud members," Liberman said. "This man must leave the stage, and anyone loyal to the path of Herzl, Trumpeldor and Jabotinsky must get rid of him. Raise the banner of revolt within Likud."
Liberman stopped short of laying out specific coalition arrangements, saying his party will wait for the official results before consulting on next steps. The speech ended to applause, with the song “You Won’t Defeat Me” playing.