By103FM

JUNE 16, 2026 15:55

Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman cautioned that any accord between Washington and Tehran would enable Iran to achieve nuclear status, according to remarks delivered Tuesday on 103FM.

"Such an accord would unquestionably transform Iran into a nuclear power," Liberman stated.

He refrained from directly criticizing the Trump administration's pursuit of an agreement, noting that American leaders naturally pursue their national priorities.

"Our interests diverge. The US president prioritizes fuel costs above all. For Israel the issue is survival itself, so we must respond accordingly," he explained.

"We must accept the reality. I hold no grievance toward the Americans. Some Israelis wrongly assume Washington should advance Israeli goals exclusively, yet that is not its role. I remain grateful for past US support," he continued.

Responsibility instead rests with Israeli leadership. "Over the past three years this ineffective government has produced only rhetoric and political maneuvering. No concrete results have emerged. Officials should direct their criticism inward," Liberman asserted.

Israel must nevertheless defend its vital interests, even if doing so creates friction with Washington, he maintained.

"Israel can certainly say no to Trump," he remarked.

Liberman further argued that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing legal proceedings have impaired his decision-making and public trust.

"I have never witnessed a prime minister deliver an extended address containing not a single truthful statement - a visibly anxious individual focused solely on self-preservation. He misled the entire nation," Liberman charged.

Netanyahu previously demonstrated the capacity to resist former president Barack Obama and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton while refusing to place personal considerations above national needs, he recalled.

Liberman served as director-general of the Prime Minister's Office during Clinton's tenure as secretary of state.

The present approach amounts to "total capitulation," he said. "Netanyahu's sole concern is ending his trial and avoiding an international arrest warrant - nothing more."

"The rhetoric President Trump directs at Israel is without precedent. Netanyahu has reduced the country to a banana republic," Liberman added.

"One cannot envision Trump addressing Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in comparable terms," he observed.

Israel Will Target Kharg Island and Bandar Abbas Port in Future Confrontations, Liberman Warns

Liberman also outlined plans for escalated retaliation against Iran in any future round of hostilities.

"We must inform the Americans of a revised approach - the next time Iran fires missiles at Israel we will eliminate Kharg Island and Bandar Abbas Port," he declared.

"These locations represent the regime's critical vulnerabilities. Their destruction would cripple Iran. We have moved beyond striking empty terrain and will now hit these most sensitive sites," he added.

Liberman: Mossad Must Concentrate Exclusively on Removing the Iranian Regime

Liberman outlined lessons Israel should apply and the actions he would take in response.

"My first instruction would go to the Mossad. The service must adopt a single objective - removing the Iranian regime," he said.

This objective should head the national security agenda, he insisted.

"If I were prime minister I would instruct the Mossad chief: 'Focus exclusively on toppling the Iranian regime and set aside all other tasks,'" he elaborated.

"Attempts have occurred in the past, yet they remained half-hearted. They lacked systematic planning, adequate resources, and a structured operational framework," he noted.

IDF Requires Dedicated Missile Corps Capable of Striking Iran in Minutes, Liberman Says

Liberman also called for establishment of a dedicated IDF Missile Corps.

"We must adopt an entirely new framework that includes at least 20,000 ballistic and cruise missiles," he stated.

"The distinction between a Missile Corps and the Air Force is significant. Although Israel possesses exceptional pilots, Air Force operations against Iran require hours of preparation, coordination with multiple nations, aerial refueling, and satellite support," the former defense minister explained.

"A ballistic missile requires only the press of a button and reaches any target in Iran within twelve minutes," he asserted.

Israel additionally requires expanded interceptor stockpiles and maritime drone capabilities, he said.

"The government suspended decisions I advanced as defense minister, and the consequences are now evident. Plans to fortify the north were also halted - circumstances could have been markedly different," he added.

Liberman: Security Establishment Recognizes Hezbollah Force-Building Efforts

Israel must revise its approach toward Hezbollah and Lebanon, Liberman argued.

"In the past day Hezbollah targeted our troops in southern Lebanon, returning us to the containment mindset that preceded October 7," he said.

"This is not an error but a deliberate choice by Netanyahu to subordinate the country to his personal legal concerns. The pattern must end," he continued.

"We possess the capacity to act immediately. The entire security community understands that Hezbollah is pursuing a major force-expansion program. This must be prevented," he stated.

"Trump relocated the embassy to Jerusalem, recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and secured the release of hostages. For three years the ineffective government has offered only declarations while advancing its own political interests," he added.

"Three years have yielded no decisive action against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, or the Houthis," he concluded.

Liberman Predicts Opposition Will Defeat Netanyahu in Next Elections

Liberman also addressed the upcoming Knesset elections and voiced optimism that the opposition will remove Netanyahu from power.

"The opposition will secure a substantially larger victory, producing a result comparable to recent developments in Hungary. A Zionist, statesmanlike coalition holding 63 or 64 seats will emerge," he predicted.

"My electoral priorities are clear. First we replace the government, then pursue the premiership. Excluding Arab and haredi parties we will still command at least 63 seats," he said.

The Knesset comprises 120 members.

Liberman noted ongoing consultations with opposition figures including former prime minister Naftali Bennett and former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot.