Avigdor Lieberman Clarifies No Guaranteed Knesset Seats Amid Israel Beytenu Crowding

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Israel Beytenu party, addressed concerns about the crowded candidate list as numerous public and security figures have joined the party in recent months. Speaking to Srugim on Sunday, Lieberman emphasized that no one has been promised a realistic spot on the party list. Current polls project Israel Beytenu winning about ten Knesset seats, while the combined number of incumbent and new candidates far exceeds that.

Among the recent additions are MK Dan Illouz, retired Colonel Talia Lankri, Midan Bar (head of the pilots’ union), Lili Ben Ami, Sharon Sharabi, Dvir Kriv, and other senior figures. Many incumbent MKs are also expected to compete for their positions in the upcoming list. When asked how all candidates would be accommodated, especially if the party wins 12 or 13 seats, Lieberman reiterated that none received prior guarantees and that list placement will be determined later through the party’s internal selection process.

Lieberman noted that some new members joined primarily to publicly support the party and participate in its activities, without expecting to secure Knesset seats. Regarding the list formation, Lieberman stated he will not interfere with the recommendations of the party’s permanent committee or exercise his veto power, a departure from previous elections. He committed to submitting the list to the Central Elections Committee exactly as recommended by the committee.

He explained that in past elections he intervened in placements suggested by the committee chairman Alex Dobronsky, but later acknowledged Dobronsky was correct and he was mistaken. This experience led Lieberman to relinquish direct involvement this time, marking a significant change in Israel Beytenu’s candidate selection approach.