Liberman Unveils Yisrael Beiteinu Knesset List, Declares 'Next Prime Minister'

Two days before the deadline for submitting party lists for the 26th Knesset, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman revealed his party's slate of candidates. The announcement ends weeks of internal tension caused by a significant influx of new members, far exceeding the party's projected electoral strength.

Recent polls from Channel 12 News indicate Yisrael Beiteinu is polling between 9 and 10 seats, making each position within the top ten on the list a crucial battle for Knesset entry. This surge in new candidates has pushed incumbent Knesset members down the list, with MK Sharon Nir announcing she will not run despite her continued support for the party.

Among the notable new additions are former Likud MK Dan Illouz, who left his previous party over opposition to a conscription exemption law. Sharon Sharabi, a leader in the fight for the return of hostages and brother of two victims held in Gaza, and Lili Ben-Ami, founder of the Michal Sela Forum and advocate against violence towards women, have also joined.

The party has also recruited several figures from security and management backgrounds, including former paratrooper commander Brig. Gen. (res.) Danny Shahar, national security expert Col. (res.) Talia Lancrey, former Air Force pilots' association chairman Lt. Col. (res.) Meidan Bar, and former Shin Bet agent Dvir Kariv.

Liberman has maintained an uncompromising stance within the opposition bloc, rejecting Gadi Eisenkot's proposal for opposition parties to pre-emptively recommend the leader of the largest party for prime minister. Liberman insists Yisrael Beiteinu's decision will be based solely on core issues, particularly the conscription exemption law and the principle of equal burden.