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 seat count in recent polls. Recent surveys from Channel 12 predict Yisrael Beiteinu will secure 9 to 10 seats, making placement within the top ten a crucial battle for entry into the Knesset.

Among the notable new additions are former Likud MK Dan Illouz, who left his previous party over opposition to a conscription exemption law, and Sharon Sharabi, a leader in the campaign to return hostages and brother of two victims held in Gaza. Also joining is Lili Ben-Ami, founder of the Michal Sela Forum, an organization combating violence against women.

The party has also recruited several figures from security and management backgrounds, including former paratrooper commander Brig. Gen. (res.) Danny Shahar, former national security expert Col. (res.) Talia Lanqri, former Airmen Association chairman Lt. Col. (res.) Meidan Bar, and former Shin Bet agent Dvir Kariv, now an educator. Gil Segal, former CEO of Yesh Atid, and media personality Michael Peliwert are also on the list.

Despite these new alliances, Liberman maintains an uncompromising stance within the opposition bloc. He rejects Gadi Eisenkot's proposal for opposition parties to pre-commit to recommending 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.