Netanyahu Ex-Advisor Hanegbi Switches Allegiance to Lieberman's Party

In an opinion piece published in Yedioth Ahronoth and on ynet, Hanegbi explained that while he remains right-wing, he can no longer support the current direction of the Israeli right. He criticized what he described as the messianic and racist right, nationalist crime, and efforts to dismantle law enforcement systems. Hanegbi, who served as head of the National Security Council during the October 7 Hamas terror attack and was dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in October 2025, stated this is the first time in 18 elections that he will not vote for a list featuring his own name or that of his late mother, Geulah Cohen.

A primary driver for Hanegbi's decision is his opposition to military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox. He argued that after the October 7 massacre, draft evasion is indefensible and endangers the state's existence, stating he cannot support right-wing parties that tolerate political partners advocating against IDF enlistment. Hanegbi also praised Lieberman's foresight, noting that Lieberman's past warnings about Hamas were wrongly dismissed by himself and others.

Hanegbi's announcement sparked sharp criticism from Netanyahu's allies. Likud commentator Yaakov Bardugo called the move despicable, pathetic, and lacking gratitude toward the Prime Minister, predicting it would have no impact on Likud voters.