Former National Security Official Talia Lankri Joins Yisrael Beiteinu, Supports Liberman for PM

Retired Colonel Talia Lankri, a former senior official in Israel's National Security Council (NSC), has joined the Yisrael Beiteinu party and publicly endorsed Avigdor Liberman for Prime Minister. Lankri currently serves as a national security advisor, lecturer, and council member in the local municipality of Gedera, where she also chairs the "Ometz" faction.

Lankri has extensive security experience, having served as deputy head of the NSC for counterterrorism, internal security, and home front affairs, as well as head of the NSC's Home Front Division. She rose through the ranks in the Armored Corps, becoming the first female battalion commander at the IDF's Officer Training School (Bahad 1). She also participated in key defense committees, including the Nagal Committee on defense budgeting and the Turgeman Committee reviewing the October 7 events.

In a statement, Lankri said the October 7 attacks compelled her to take an active role in shaping Israel's security policies, emphasizing the need for experienced and decisive leadership. Liberman welcomed her addition, highlighting her deep understanding of Israel's security challenges and decision-making systems. He said her joining strengthens Yisrael Beiteinu's professional security team and vowed to lead with responsibility and zero tolerance for terrorism to restore public trust and security.

Lankri is married with three children; her eldest son served as a combat soldier, and her daughter is currently an officer cadet at Bahad 1. Her move to Yisrael Beiteinu signals a bolstering of the party's security credentials ahead of upcoming elections.