Former Jewish Home Deputy Mayor Rejoins Israel Beytenu, Supports Liberman for PM

Reuven Gur-Arieh, former deputy head of the Shomron Regional Council representing the Jewish Home party and a prominent figure in the Religious Zionist community, announced his move to the Israel Beytenu party. He declared his support for party leader Avigdor Liberman as prime minister. Gur-Arieh explained his departure from the Jewish Home party followed a lengthy process of political and ideological reevaluation. He praised Liberman as a strong, experienced leader with a clear vision for Israel’s future, capable of restoring security to Israeli citizens.

This development aligns with Israel Beytenu’s ongoing efforts to broaden its appeal within the Religious Zionist sector. The party highlighted that in recent years, several notable figures from this community have joined its ranks, including Givat Shmuel Mayor Yossi Brodny, former Beit Shean Mayor Rafi Ben Shitrit, Sharon Sharabi (brother of a kidnapped and murdered Israeli), and reserve officer Israel Ben Shitrit, who was severely wounded in Gaza. Additionally, Lt. Col. (res.) Shmulik Barzilai and Lior Zabar, head of the Judea and Samaria Forum within Israel Beytenu, have also joined.

Gur-Arieh’s switch underscores Israel Beytenu’s strategic expansion into the Religious Zionist electorate, aiming to consolidate support ahead of upcoming elections. His endorsement of Liberman reinforces the party’s positioning as a unifying force capable of addressing security and governance challenges in Israel.