Ex-National Security Chief Hanegbi Vows to Vote Against Netanyahu's Likud

Tzachi Hanegbi, who served as head of the National Security Council under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and for decades as a Likud minister and Knesset member, announced he will vote for Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party in the upcoming elections, not for Likud. This marks the first time in his life Hanegbi will not vote for Likud or a list including himself or his late mother, Geulah Cohen. In an article published in Ynet and Yediot Ahronot, Hanegbi stated that while he had no dilemma in past elections, the current "challenge is new." He explained his vote must go to a person and party committed to a right-wing worldview, asserting that some figures on the right no longer reflect his principles. Hanegbi cited the issue of mass exemptions from military and civil service as a key point of contention, stating he cannot align with right-wing parties that tolerate this "service evasion." He expressed support for Lieberman, whom he has known for nearly five decades, citing their shared past fighting incitement and their work together in the Knesset and government, including leading the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Hanegbi also acknowledged that he and other cabinet members erred by not giving sufficient weight to Lieberman's warnings about Hamas prior to the October 7th attacks. He concluded that Lieberman represents a responsible national approach that upholds right-wing principles and that strengthening his position would benefit the country's security and governance. Reacting to Hanegbi's article, commentator Yaakov Bardugo sharply criticized him, stating Netanyahu rescued Hanegbi from political obscurity and that his "despicable and pathetic act" would not sway Likud voters. Bardugo suggested Hanegbi's actions stem from anger over his dismissal from the National Security Council role.