Fuel prices soar: Avigdor Lieberman attacks the government
Ahead of the fuel price hike at midnight, the Yisrael Beiteinu chairman criticized the government, claiming it has chosen not to intervene in the rising costs. According to him, during his tenure as Minister of Finance, measures were taken to prevent such price increases.
The expected rise in fuel prices at midnight continues to spark reactions within the political system. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman attacked the government of Benjamin Netanyahu this evening (Saturday) following the anticipated price hike, publishing a sharp message on the X network regarding the government's conduct.
In his post, Avigdor Lieberman wrote:
"Today at midnight there will be a sharp rise in fuel prices. During my time as Minister of Finance, we lowered the excise tax and provided subsidies to prevent a rise in fuel prices. The Netanyahu government transferred billions to draft dodgers, but when it comes to a price hike that hurts all citizens of Israel, they are simply not interested."
He attached a photo of Benjamin Netanyahu refueling his car to the post.
Lieberman's criticism comes hours before the new pricing takes effect. After drivers enjoyed a reduction of 32 agorot per liter in July, a sharp increase is now expected that will almost completely cancel out that decrease. According to updated estimates, the price of a liter of 95-octane gasoline at self-service will increase by about 60 agorot, while the full-service price is expected to cross the 8 shekel per liter threshold.
The underlying cause of the price increase is the volatility in the global energy market. The price of oil has jumped recently, crossing the 100 dollar per barrel threshold, partly due to Houthi attacks on tankers in the Red Sea, which increased market uncertainty. According to reports, a temporary pause in attacks by the United States helped curb an even sharper jump in oil prices.
The expected price hike will affect millions of drivers in Israel, and within the political system, it is already becoming another tool in the confrontation between the opposition and the coalition, with Avigdor Lieberman using the increase to criticize the government's economic priorities.
