Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman asked Israel’s attorney general to investigate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on suspicion of treason, intensifying a dispute over Iran policy before Tuesday’s general election, KAN reported.
Lieberman alleged that Netanyahu had pressed senior security officials for the past month to take actions that risked an unintended confrontation with Iran. He accused the prime minister of seeking such a clash because he feared losing the election.
Lieberman made the request to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, according to KAN. He argued that Israeli law requires government discussion and approval before military action that could lead to war or a major confrontation. Anadolu reported that Netanyahu had not responded to the accusation by publication.
Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli intelligence pointed to a possible attempt by Iran and its regional allies to disrupt the vote. He threatened a severe military response. His Sunday warning about Iran followed the unveiling of an Oct. 18 security doctrine that listed the removal of Iran’s government as a strategic objective and stressed preemptive military operations.
Lieberman had raised a related allegation on Oct. 13, saying Netanyahu was considering the use of force against Iran, Hamas or Hezbollah to stay in office. Israel and Iran have faced continuing tensions since a military confrontation earlier this year, Anadolu reported.
Israel’s general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27.
