Israel's Yisrael Beiteinu Unveils Knesset Election List With New Faces

The Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) party has presented its updated list of candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections, scheduled for October 27. Party leader Avigdor Lieberman has made significant changes to the top of the slate, notably placing new figures in prominent positions. Former Beit She'an mayor and founder of the "Moetzet October" organization, Rafael Ben-Shitrit, who lost his son in combat and advocates for an independent investigation into the events of October 7, has been placed in the second position. Reserve Colonel Talia Lancre, an expert in national security, secured the third spot.

Other notable additions to the top ten include Sharon Sharabi, brother of a released hostage, veteran parliamentarian Oded Forer, and former Likud MK Dan Iluz. Lieberman has firmly rejected the idea of electoral blocs and alliances, deeming them detrimental to electoral success. He stated the party's primary goal is to form a "Zionist, statist, and liberal government" that excludes "destructive elements" but leaves open the possibility of integrating with Likud after Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure.

Meanwhile, the "Bayahad" bloc, officially led by Naftali Bennett with Yair Lapid in second place, has also outlined its platform. Bennett announced plans for a state commission to investigate the October 7 events, term limits of eight years for the prime minister, the adoption of a constitution, and a 30% reduction in the cost of living. The bloc also aims to enforce universal conscription for the ultra-Orthodox and officially designate Qatar as an unfriendly state, signaling a push for significant policy changes.

Current polls predict Yisrael Beiteinu will secure seven to nine Knesset seats, with the electoral landscape remaining dynamic ahead of the vote.