Jerusalem:Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman has demanded a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on suspicion of treason, accusing him of trying to lead Israel into a war with Iran to avoid defeat in the upcoming general elections.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, submitted a formal request for investigation to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. He accused Netanyahu of pressuring senior security officials to take actions that might provoke a military confrontation with Iran.

Lieberman has expressed that Netanyahu's alleged actions, intended to benefit his electoral chances at the cost of national security, constitute treason against the state and its military. He reiterated these accusations in an interview with Israeli radio station 103FM.

In his statements, Lieberman highlighted unprecedented tensions between Israel's military and political leadership, attributing this strained relationship to Netanyahu's alleged maneuvers. He also claimed that Netanyahu was attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the Central Elections Committee and the election results, which could lead to severe internal conflict.

These accusations surface as Israel approaches its general elections, with heightened tensions with Iran. Netanyahu recently warned of potential Iranian attacks aimed at disrupting the electoral process, threatening a severe military response.

The latest accusations come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran following earlier military confrontations this year.