Ex-National Security Chief Tzachi Hanegbi Slams Likud, Vows to Vote Lieberman

Former National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi has ignited a political firestorm with a scathing op-ed announcing he will not vote for the Likud party, his political home for nearly five decades, in the upcoming elections. Hanegbi, who held senior positions under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declared he will instead cast his ballot for Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party.

In his article published on ynet, Hanegbi detailed the reasons for his departure from Likud, stating it will be the first time in 18 elections he won't vote for the party, or for a list that includes his late mother, Geulah Cohen. He identified himself as still being on the right but criticized the current direction of the camp he emerged from, rejecting labels of "messianic right," "racist right," or a right that disrespects ideological opponents or remains silent on nationalist crime.

Hanegbi specifically criticized the government's approach to the Haredi draft issue and the judicial overhaul. He expressed disagreement with dismantling law enforcement systems to "strengthen governance" and questioned how right-wing parties justify widespread exemptions from military and civilian service for a large sector, particularly when political partners advocate against enlistment. He emphasized that after the events of October 7th, there is no longer room to tolerate draft evasion.

He explained his choice of Lieberman as a leader of a right-wing movement "unreservedly committed" to his stated values. Hanegbi praised Lieberman's early warnings about Hamas during his tenure as Defense Minister, lamenting that he and other security officials did not give sufficient weight to these warnings until the October 7th massacre clarified the extent of the danger.

The sharp criticism from Hanegbi drew a strong backlash from within Likud. Yaakov Bardugo, a candidate on the Likud list, called Hanegbi's actions "despicable" and "pathetic," suggesting it stems from his removal from his position. Bardugo accused Hanegbi of lacking gratitude towards Netanyahu, who he claimed rescued Hanegbi from political obscurity by appointing him National Security Advisor after he was ranked low in Likud primaries. Bardugo asserted that Hanegbi's actions would not sway any Likud voters.

This is not the first time Hanegbi has left Likud. In 2005, he joined Ariel Sharon's Kadima party shortly after its formation, famously stating, "My heart said Likud, my mind decided Sharon."