Netanyahu, Mana Trade Barbs Over Hanegbi's Defection
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Former National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi announced he will not vote for the Likud party, instead supporting Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu, citing policy disagreements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying Hanegbi's decision stemmed from being replaced. Businessman Roni Mana accused Sara Netanyahu of firing Hanegbi and criticized Netanyahu's loyalty. Hanegbi further explained his departure in an article, criticizing the government's handling of Haredi enlistment and Hamas policy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tzachi Hanegbi will not vote for Likud, supporting Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu instead.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu suggested Hanegbi's move was due to being replaced from his post.
- Businessman Roni Mana accused Sara Netanyahu of firing Hanegbi, calling Netanyahu a "liar".
- Hanegbi criticized right-wing parties for supporting Haredi military service exemptions.
- Hanegbi cited Lieberman's past foresight regarding Hamas danger as validated by Oct 7th.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Tzachi Hanegbi's announcement that he would not vote for the Likud party in the upcoming elections, instead supporting Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu. Hanegbi, a former head of the National Security Council under Netanyahu, cited disagreements with the right-wing parties' positions, particularly regarding the exemption of Haredi men from military service. Netanyahu, speaking on i24NEWS, expressed no surprise at Hanegbi's decision, suggesting it stemmed from being replaced after serving as National Security Council head. "I thought I brought him from obscurity and gave him a chance. He wasn't good enough and I replaced him. Apparently, he was hurt by it and in his bitterness, he repays in this manner," Netanyahu stated.
Businessman Roni Mana, a former associate of the Netanyahus who has become a critic, weighed in on the situation via X (formerly Twitter). Mana directly accused Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, of being the reason for Hanegbi's dismissal. "You replaced him because of the incident that happened to Tzachi with your wife Sara in New York. She fired him. Stop bluffing," Mana wrote, adding that Hanegbi had been loyal during difficult times and that Netanyahu should be the one replaced. Mana also referenced an interview where Netanyahu was asked why his appointees and friends were turning against him, to which Netanyahu reportedly responded dismissively, prioritizing other matters over loyalty and integrity.
In his article for Yediot Ahronot, Hanegbi elaborated on his reasons for leaving the Likud. He stated he is not a "messianic" or "racist" right-winger and cannot remain silent about nationalist crime waves. He also criticized the right-wing parties' support for widespread exemptions from military and civilian service for Haredi men, stating he has no part with those who disregard IDF draft orders. Hanegbi recalled Lieberman's resignation as Defense Minister over policy towards Hamas, noting that only the October 7th massacre proved Lieberman's foresight regarding the danger.
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