Liberman asks prosecutor to investigate Netanyahu over alleged Iran clash

Avigdor Liberman asked Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to open a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on suspicion of treason.

The request was made on Monday, two days before Israel's national vote. Liberman, who leads the Yisrael Beytenu party, stated the move does not confirm wrongdoing or guarantee an inquiry will proceed.

The complaint follows a Sunday report by N12 broadcaster. The outlet claimed Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir argued over a proposed operation that risked a confrontation with Iran. Liberman told 103FM that he viewed the prime minister's actions as a betrayal of the state.

In a social media post, Liberman argued Netanyahu sought to trigger military action to halt the election. He told the radio station, "The man has gone off the rails," while criticizing the prime minister for shifting narratives between a "crypto bomb" and an "atomic bomb." Liberman said he believed the military chief must prevent political leaders from using soldiers for political ends.

Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected the accusations on Monday. He said coordination among the prime minister, himself, and the IDF on the Iran issue has been complete since he took office. Katz stated that Israel had no intention of starting an attack on Iran before the vote.

Katz called reports of a rift between the military and political leadership "entirely false." He argued that opposition figures were using the reports to cast doubt on the government's judgment during a sensitive period. He described the effort as "shameful and irresponsible" and said the government would overcome it.