Michal Sela Forum Founder Lili Ben Ami Joins Yisrael Beiteinu to Amplify Women's Protection

Lili Ben Ami, founder of the Michal Sela Forum, announced on Wednesday her decision to join Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party. Ben Ami, who has been politically active for years and previously ran in the Labor Party primaries, took a hiatus from politics after her sister Michal was murdered by her husband seven years ago. Since then, she dedicated herself to combating violence against women.

Ben Ami shared the personal tragedies that shaped her activism, including the recent loss of her brother in a car accident. She expressed frustration over the lack of government action on femicide and gun violence, despite her appeals to the Prime Minister. Feeling limited by her role in the nonprofit sector, she decided to enter the political arena to have a greater impact.

She emphasized that her move to Yisrael Beiteinu was deliberate, citing the party’s proactive stance on legislation related to protecting women, such as changes to guardianship laws championed by MK Oded Forer. Ben Ami stated, "Yisrael Beiteinu is a party that acts, not just talks," and stressed her commitment to representing vulnerable women whose voices are often ignored in the Knesset.

Ben Ami denied that her decision was motivated by political appointments, saying she joined solely to influence policy. She also explained her ideological shift, noting that since the October 7 attacks, she and many others have moved rightward politically. She supports strong measures, including the death penalty for murderers, and praised Lieberman as a strong, experienced leader who delivers results, reflecting what she believes Israeli society seeks today.