Ex-Netanyahu Aide Hanegbi to Vote for Lieberman, Citing Right-Wing Concerns
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Former National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi announced he will not vote for the Likud party in the upcoming elections, instead supporting Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu. Hanegbi cited concerns over the direction of the right-wing, including ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions and nationalist crime. He also praised Lieberman's foresight regarding the Hamas threat. This marks a significant departure for Hanegbi, a long-time Likud member.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tzachi Hanegbi, former National Security Advisor, will not vote for Likud, supporting Avigdor Lieberman instead.
- Hanegbi cited concerns over ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions and nationalist crime as reasons for his decision.
- He stated he can no longer identify with certain positions of the Israeli right-wing.
- Hanegbi praised Lieberman's foresight regarding the Hamas threat, which he felt was ignored.
- This is the first time Hanegbi will not vote for a party including his or his late mother's name since 1977.
Tzachi Hanegbi, a former National Security Advisor and long-time Likud party member, announced he will not vote for his former party in the upcoming elections. Instead, he will cast his ballot for Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party. Hanegbi, who served under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the October 7th attacks, explained his decision in an opinion piece published in "Yedioth Ahronoth." He expressed criticism of the current direction of the Israeli right-wing, stating he can no longer identify with certain positions held by right-wing parties.
Hanegbi declared this would be his 18th time voting in Knesset elections, but the first since 1977 that he would not vote for a list that includes his name or that of his late mother, Geulah Cohen. He emphasized that his worldview remains right-wing but that he does not align with what he described as "messianic right," "racist right," or a right that disrespects ideological opponents and remains silent on nationalist crime.
He specifically criticized the exemption from military service for the ultra-Orthodox, stating he cannot understand how right-wing politicians justify mass exemptions while some parties advocate for draft dodgers. Hanegbi acknowledged that previous governments, including those he served in, failed to address this issue, but argued that after the October 7th attacks and ongoing conflict, the situation is untenable and endangers the state's existence.
Hanegbi also explained his support for Lieberman, whom he has known for nearly five decades. He recalled Lieberman's lone voice in discussions about prioritizing the threat from Hamas in Gaza, noting that Lieberman resigned as Defense Minister over policy towards Hamas. Hanegbi stated that only the October 7th massacre clarified the extent of the danger Lieberman had foreseen.
Concluding his article, Hanegbi described Lieberman as a leader committed to national principles who opposes religious coercion and interference with the judiciary. He characterized Lieberman as a "respectful and unifying right-wing" leader who safeguards national principles.
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