Yisrael Beiteinu unveils 2026 election list with Sharabi, Illouz, and security veterans

Yisrael Beiteinu has announced the full list of candidates for the 2026 General Election, which includes a wide range of candidates, from across the country and society. The party's long-time leader, Avigdor Lieberman, retains his number 1 spot; however the list hosts a swathe of newcomers and former Likud party politicians. The list's number 2 is Rafi Ben-Shtrit. Ben-Shtrit is the former Likud mayor of Beit Shean. He lost his son, Elroy, during the Battle for Nahal Oz on October 7 and was one of the founders of the October Council which has been fighting for an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. At number 3 is Col. (res.) Talia Lankri, the former deputy chief of the National Security Council as well as head of the Home Front Brigade in the National Security Council. Lankri has repeatedly criticised the government for failing to formulate a coherent strategy that encompasses political and military objectives. The next major newcomer is Sharon Sharabi, number 6 on the list. Sharabi is the brother of Yossi Sharabi, who was murdered in Hamas captivity and Eli Sharabi, whose wife and two daughters were murdered on October 7. Sharabi joined Yisrael Beiteinu in May after criticising Likud under Netanyahu's leadership. Upon Sharabi joining the party, Lieberman said that he hoped that Sharabi would help "restore trust" in government leadership. Former Likud MK Dan Illouz is placed 10th on the list. Illouz publicly quit Likud in July, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to force through a series of measures which would exempt the Ultra-Orthodox from conscription. Within 24 hours of the vote, Illouz had quit the party. Although the Haredi draft issue triggered his defection, Illouz pointed to a series of problems with Likud as having driven a wedge between himself and the party's leadership. David Azoulay, head of the Metula Council, received number 13 on the Yisrael Beiteinu list. Metula is Israel's northernmost council and has borne the brunt of Hezbollah's attacks for decades. Azoulay has been very vocal about the national government's failure to protect the area. Azoulay has been head of Metula council since 2015 and ran unopposed in 2024 after successfully uniting all political factions behind him in the election. Yisrael Beiteinu's list reflects post-October 7 Israel. It brings together members of the security establishment, periphery politicians, and disaffected Likud members to create a list representing those most directly affected by October 7, mixing newcomers and veterans with an emphasis on those who feel isolated from the political mainstream. Eli Cohen tops Likud Knesset party list as Netanyahu hails results | Israeli election breakdown Suggested articles Brother of slain Hamas hostage enters Israeli politics | i24NEWS In Morocco, Israeli MK Illouz urges foreign parliament members to expand Abraham Accords | i24NEWS Opposition: Netanyahu's compromising security for political gain | i24NEWS