Yisrael Beiteinu: From Immigrant Party to Secular Right-Wing Force

Yisrael Beiteinu, founded in 1999 by Avigdor Lieberman, initially targeted immigrants from former Soviet republics, securing four seats in its first election. The party later allied with the National Union before re-emerging independently, broadening its appeal to the secular right-wing public. Its peak was in 2009, winning 15 seats and becoming the Knesset's third-largest party.

Lieberman's career includes roles as Likud movement director-general, Prime Minister's Office director-general under Benjamin Netanyahu, and various ministerial positions. He served as Transportation Minister under Ariel Sharon, Strategic Affairs Minister under Ehud Olmert, and notably as Defense Minister. His resignation in November 2018, following a ceasefire with Hamas, was framed by him as "surrender to terror," a stance that became central to his later claims of warning against Hamas's strengthening.

As Finance Minister in the Bennett-Lapid government, Lieberman oversaw a period where the cumulative deficit reached zero for the first time since 2008, partly due to reduced tariffs aimed at lowering the cost of living. This tenure also intensified his conflict with Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties, a key theme in Yisrael Beiteinu's campaigns.

Lieberman's political career has faced legal scrutiny. He has one criminal conviction for assault and threats in 2001. He was acquitted of fraud and breach of trust in a case involving ambassadorial appointments and a separate investigation into shell companies was closed due to insufficient evidence. While Lieberman himself was not charged, several former senior party officials were convicted in a corruption scandal.

For the upcoming elections, Yisrael Beiteinu's list blends veteran lawmakers with new faces, including the father of a soldier killed on October 7th and a former National Security Council official. The party's platform prioritizes a state inquiry into the October 7th massacre, universal conscription, a constitution, combating the cost of living, mandatory core curriculum studies, and strengthening personal security. They propose denying benefits to those who do not serve.

Lieberman has adopted a strong stance against Arab parties and recently proposed understandings with Jordan regarding Areas B and C, drawing criticism from Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich. Economically, the party advocates for deregulation, reduced government ministries, and increased competition. In education, they demand core subjects as a condition for funding institutions.

Once a Netanyahu ally, Lieberman is now a prominent political rival. He recently signed a joint document with other opposition figures, including Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, identifying the government's replacement as a "common supreme goal," despite ideological differences. Yisrael Beiteinu continues to center its campaign on conscription, core curriculum studies, and secular-religious relations, evolving from its origins as a party for Soviet immigrants to a broader secular right-wing platform under Lieberman's continued leadership.