Netanyahu's Ex-Ally Tzachi Hanegbi Endorses Lieberman
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Tzachi Hanegbi, former National Security Advisor and Likud voter for decades, announced he will vote for Avigdor Lieberman's party instead. Hanegbi cited a departure from core values by some right-wing factions and opposition to draft evasion as key reasons. He believes Lieberman's warnings about Hamas were prescient and that he represents a balanced right-wing approach. Hanegbi's decision marks a significant political realignment for the veteran politician.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tzachi Hanegbi, former National Security Advisor, will vote for Avigdor Lieberman's party, not Likud.
- Hanegbi cited right-wing factions straying from values and opposition to draft evasion.
- He stated that draft evasion endangers the state's existence.
- Hanegbi believes Lieberman's past warnings about Hamas were validated by October 7.
- He sees Lieberman as a right-wing leader opposing religious coercion and judicial threats.
Tzachi Hanegbi, a former National Security Advisor and long-time Likud supporter, has announced a significant political shift, declaring he will not vote for the Likud party in the upcoming elections. Instead, Hanegbi stated in a Yediot Ahronot op-ed that he will cast his ballot for Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party. Hanegbi, who has voted for decades, explained that he feels certain factions within the right-wing have strayed from core values, citing concerns about "messianic" or "racist" right-wing elements, nationalist crime, and attempts to undermine law enforcement.
A primary driver for Hanegbi's decision is the issue of military conscription. He expressed his inability to continue supporting right-wing parties that cooperate with those opposing the draft of Haredi men into the IDF. Hanegbi wrote that as long as right-wing parties tolerate political partners who advocate against military service, "there is no place with them."
He emphasized that the Hamas attack on October 7 and the ongoing burden carried by career soldiers and reservists necessitate a change in approach. "There is no longer room to tolerate the phenomenon of draft evasion, which endangers the very existence of the state," Hanegbi stated.
Hanegbi has known Lieberman for nearly fifty years, dating back to their university days. They worked together in the Knesset and government, and Hanegbi served in the security cabinet when Lieberman was Defense Minister. Hanegbi recalled Lieberman's past warnings about Hamas, which he believes were not taken seriously enough and were tragically validated by the events of October 7. He concluded by presenting Lieberman as a right-wing leader who balances national stances with opposition to religious coercion and threats to judicial independence.
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