Former Senior Security Official Talia Lankri Joins Avigdor Lieberman’s Israel Beytenu Party

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Talia Lankri has joined the Israel Beytenu party, endorsing its leader Avigdor Lieberman for prime minister. Lankri is recognized as one of Israel’s most experienced voices in national security, counterterrorism, and home front preparedness. She currently serves as a security advisor, lecturer, and council member in the local council of Gedera, where she chairs the Ometz faction.

Lankri’s extensive background includes serving as deputy head of the National Security Council for policy on internal security and home front, and as head of the home front division. She has also been part of key committees such as the Nagel Committee on defense budgeting and force structure, and the Turgeman Committee reviewing the October 7 investigations. Her military career began in the Armored Corps, where she was a pioneering female officer, including being the first female battalion commander at the IDF’s Officer Training School (Bahad 1).

In a statement, Lankri said the October 7 attacks compelled her to take an active role in restoring Israel’s security and influencing decision-making. She praised Lieberman’s consistent focus on security, governance, and national responsibility, emphasizing her preference for action over slogans and responsibility over short-term politics.

Lieberman welcomed Lankri’s arrival, highlighting her significant security and national experience and her deep understanding of Israel’s defense challenges. He said her addition strengthens Israel Beytenu’s professional security team and reaffirmed their commitment to a clear line of responsibility and zero tolerance for terrorism to restore security and public trust.

This move follows other political shifts, including a local council head leaving Likud to join Lieberman’s party, signaling a bolstering of Israel Beytenu’s security credentials ahead of upcoming elections.