Yisrael Beiteinu Unveils Knesset List Amidst Candidate Drama

Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party unveiled its list of candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections on Sunday, September 6. The announcement event, held at the "Ganei Tarucha" exhibition complex in Tel Aviv, was attended by a large number of party activists and guests, including prominent Druze community representatives and many Russian-speaking immigrants, alongside other notable Israelis who have recently joined the party.

Drama preceded the list's reveal when Mikhail Pellivert, a well-known blogger and activist against religious coercion, withdrew his candidacy. Pellivert published a statement explaining his decision, emphasizing his desire for a "real opportunity to advance the principles and ideas" for which he entered politics. He reiterated his commitment to core tenets such as a constitution, equal obligations for all citizens, basic education, and the separation of religion and state, stating, "Israel needs a constitution, equal obligations for all, basic education, separation of religion from the state, and citizens need freedom and the opportunity to be themselves. I will never give up these principles."

The event's host highlighted the diverse attendees, noting the presence of immigrants, native-born Israelis, and individuals who had left the Likud party.