Tel aviv: Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intentionally extending the Gaza conflict with an eye on upcoming elections. Lieberman, who leads the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu Party, made these claims publicly on Sunday, suggesting that pressure on Netanyahu will mount once hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023 are returned and the ongoing conflict concludes.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lieberman told Israel's public broadcaster KAN that Netanyahu's strategy centers on prolonging the war until election time. However, he did not clarify whether he was referring to the scheduled elections at the end of Netanyahu's term in December 2026 or potential early elections slated for late 2025 or early 2026.

Lieberman emphasized the impossibility of eliminating Hamas without first securing the release of all hostages in Gaza. Indirect negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel commenced on July 6 in Doha, Qatar. A source close to Hamas revealed that the group has received updated maps from mediators indicating areas still under Israeli control, prompting internal consultations to assess the situation.

The Israeli military's actions have resulted in nearly 59,000 Palestinian casualties in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, predominantly affecting women and children. The extensive bombardment has rendered the region uninhabitable. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.