Netanyahu’s Appointment of Wealthy Ashkenazi Expat Exposes Likud’s Disconnect and Decay

In a recent political move, Benjamin Netanyahu secured a spot for a wealthy Ashkenazi tech expatriate from California on the Likud party list, sparking criticism about the party’s detachment from Israel’s periphery and Mizrahi communities it claims to represent. Journalist Ben Caspit argues this appointment reveals the deep rot and complacency within Likud, which he describes as a party disconnected from its base and overly reliant on affluent elites living abroad.

Caspit highlights the irony that while Likud members have opposed voting rights for Israelis living overseas, they readily embraced this affluent Ashkenazi candidate, undermining their own stance. He also points to the party’s failure to address the socio-economic struggles of regions like the Negev and Galilee, and the ongoing marginalization of Mizrahi Jews, despite Likud’s claims to champion these groups.

The article further criticizes the party’s current identity, describing it as a blend of ultra-Orthodox and Kahanist elements, steeped in internal decay and corruption. Caspit notes that despite receiving billions in government funds, Likud continues to preach morality while ignoring its own contradictions. The candidate’s nomination was notably publicized by Channel 12, a network often boycotted by the ruling party, adding to the political irony.

This development comes ahead of the 2026 elections and follows recent controversies involving prominent figures like Gadi Eizenkot and Shirael Churg, underscoring ongoing tensions within Israeli politics and the Likud party’s struggle to maintain relevance and credibility.