Chikli Slams Former NSC Chief Hanegbi Over Lieberman Endorsement and Tenure
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli criticized former NSC head Tzachi Hanegbi over his tenure and endorsement of Avigdor Lieberman, while defending Likud's poll standing.
Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli lashed out at former National Security Council (NSC) head Tzachi Hanegbi, criticizing his tenure and his recent announcement to support Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman in the upcoming elections. In a radio interview, Chikli claimed Hanegbi was a weak NSC head who failed to challenge the defense establishment.
"I think he was a very weak NSC head," Chikli said during the interview. "He could have challenged the security establishment's paradigms. That is perhaps the most important role of the NSC—to bring a different, more national line aligned with the prime minister's agenda."
Chikli also sharply attacked Lieberman, calling him an unfit political figure. "Lieberman is a violent person, someone convicted of assaulting a minor, someone surrounded by corruption scandals—he is an unworthy person," Chikli stated, adding that it is pathetic to support him.
Addressing regional security and recent high-level meetings, Chikli commented on the ongoing situation regarding Iran and the US administration. He noted that the security apparatus remains highly prepared defensively and offensively, emphasizing that Israel has achieved remarkable military successes across multiple fronts.
Finally, Chikli dismissed recent unfavorable poll numbers for the Likud party, asserting that public support remains solid and that polls are often utilized as campaign tools to sway public opinion rather than reflect reality.
