Liberman Unveils Israel Beiteinu List with War-Scarred Candidates

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has presented his slate of 25 candidates for the upcoming election, with the party projected to win around 10 seats. The list notably features individuals directly impacted by the October 7th war and ongoing conflict. Among them is Rafi Ben Shitrit, former mayor of Beit She'an, whose son was killed fighting on October 7th and who has become a spokesperson for bereaved families. Sharon Sharabi, whose brother was killed in Gaza captivity and another brother's wife and daughters were murdered, has been a prominent advocate for the return of hostages. Reserve Colonel Talia Lankri, a former National Security Council official, brings military and strategic expertise to the list. Other candidates include Lili Ben Ami, an activist against violence toward women, and David Azulai, the mayor of Metula who remained with his residents under fire from Lebanon. Speaking to over 1,000 activists, Liberman emphasized his priorities: a firm stance against Israel's enemies and an end to exemptions from military service for the ultra-Orthodox, advocating for a government that supports those who "serve, work, and pay taxes." The party's renewal process was not without internal friction, as some figures from the religious-Zionist wing, including lawyer Batya Cohen Dror and Givat Shmuel Mayor Yossi Brodny, were either removed or left the party.