‘Celebrate Sukkot near protected spaces' - MK Liberman warns that Iran conflict is not over

RIght-wing opposition MK and former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman issued a warning on his 𝕏 account on Friday, calling on Israeli citizens to stay near protected areas during the upcoming Sukkot holiday. 

“Anyone who thinks the event with Iran is over – is mistaken and misled,” Liberman warned on his personal account. 

“The Iranians are already working diligently,” he continued. “They are strengthening their defenses and military capabilities every day. The work at the nuclear sites – has resumed. It's no coincidence that leading countries have reinstated the 'snapback' - the sanctions mechanism against the regime in Iran.”

מי שחושב שהאירוע מול איראן הסתיים - טועה ומטעה.

האיראנים כבר עובדים במרץ. מחזקים את ההגנות והיכולות הצבאיות שלהם מידי יום. העבודות באתרי הגרעין - חזרו. לא לחינם מדינות מובילות החזירו את ה'סנאפבק' - מנגנון הסנקציות על המשטר באיראן.

נראה שהפעם האירנים מנסים להפתיע אותנו.

אני…

— אביגדור ליברמן (@AvigdorLiberman) October 3, 2025

“It seems that this time the Iranians are trying to surprise us,” Liberman warned, before telling Israelis to celebrate Sukkot close to shelters. 

“I am addressing the citizens of Israel directly – celebrate Sukkot, enjoy time with family and friends, but be cautious and near protected spaces,” he said, warning that “this government cannot be relied upon. Until we fix their damages – we must rely on the IDF and on ourselves.”

On Saturday, Liberman followed up with a second post highlighting several of the recent developments in Iran. 

“The ‘Operation Rising Lion’ war started off great and brought quite a few achievements, but the mission was not completed,” Liberman wrote to 𝕏 on Saturday. 

“We left the Iranians in the state of a wounded animal, and this is the most dangerous situation,” he continued. “What has been happening since then cannot but deprive every responsible and knowledgeable person of sleep.” 

After listing a series of troubling developments in Iran, demonstrating that the Islamic Republic is actively trying to rebuild capabilities damaged by Israel during the war, Liberman warned. 

“The next confrontation is not a question of if, but when,” he stated. “I have no intention of sowing panic, but of preventing complacency and, God forbid, another disaster.” 

A security source strongly criticized Liberman’s remarks, telling Israeli media, "There is no change in the [security] instructions. We are always on high alert for any scenario, but we do not recognize any unusual event that is expected soon against the Iranians.” 

Another security source told Channel 12 News, “This is about scaremongering without any basis. Liberman is looking to grab headlines, even though it is causing very unnecessary pressure on the public. There is no change in the guidelines and no new information regarding Iran.” 

However, open source intelligence indicates that Iran is actively seeking to rebuild its ballistic missile program, as well as beef up its tattered air defense systems, following the 12-day war, in which Israel gained air superiority almost from the outset. 

However, one senior defense source told Ynet that security officials are also concerned about provoking Iran to action by escalating rhetoric. 

“There’s no sign Iran intends to attack,” the source said, “but words have consequences. A misinterpretation in Tehran could spark an unnecessary crisis.” 

Analysts are concerned that with Iran facing several crises, including a severe water shortage, a steeply devalued currency, and continued political unrest, such provocative language by Israeli or U.S. officials could trigger an unintended escalation. 

Liberman, head of the Israel Beitenu party, is known for being hawkish on defense policy, and has clashed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu several times after leaving a previous coalition government with the Likud party over security issues.