Likud Spokesperson Launches Scathing Attack on Former National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi

Likud party spokesperson Guy Levi launched an unprecedentedly harsh attack on former National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi on Tuesday, following Hanegbi's announcement that he would vote for Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party in the upcoming elections. Levi extended his criticism to other former aides and advisors of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including Limor Livnat, Meir Sheetrit, Nir Hefetz, and Eli Horowitz.

Levi described individuals like Hanegbi as "full of themselves" while in office, believing they were the "story" behind the Prime Minister's successes. He claimed that once they leave their positions, they face the reality of being "nothing," with their phones no longer ringing and their influence vanishing. Levi asserted that even decades later, their primary identity remains being former Netanyahu employees.

He characterized this phenomenon as a recurring lack of gratitude, stating that even those "taken from the trash" by Netanyahu, given roles, status, and power, become his greatest enemies and critics upon departure. Levi concluded his remarks with strong language, calling them "a bunch of losers with no lives" who exhibit "betrayal" and are "small, minuscule, insignificant."

The controversy began when Tzachi Hanegbi announced his intention to vote for Yisrael Beiteinu, explaining in an op-ed that while he still considers himself a right-wing individual, the current positions and conduct of some right-wing parties do not align with his worldview. Hanegbi, who served as National Security Advisor during the October 7th Hamas attack and the subsequent war, was dismissed in October 2025 following Netanyahu's decision.

Likud candidate Yaakov Bardugo also attacked Hanegbi, calling his move "despicable" and "pathetic" after being dismissed from his role. Bardugo accused Hanegbi of lacking gratitude towards the Prime Minister, especially after his return to public service.