Brother of Former Hostage Joins Israeli Opposition Party Yisrael Beytenu

In a significant move for the upcoming Israeli elections, Sharon Sharabi, whose brother Eli was held hostage by Hamas for 491 days and whose sister-in-law and nieces were murdered on October 7, has announced his entry into politics. Sharabi is joining the right-wing Yisrael Beytenu party, led by MK Avigdor Liberman. This decision marks a notable alignment, as Sharabi, a prominent activist for the return of hostages, now seeks to influence policy from within the political system.

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Avigdor Liberman is a true right-wing leader, and the only one in the political system who was not part of the conception; he warned of the [October 7] massacre and consistently called for the elimination of Hamas.

Sharabi expressed strong admiration for Liberman, describing him as a "true right-wing leader" who accurately warned of the October 7 massacre and consistently advocated for the elimination of Hamas. Sharabi stated his belief that Yisrael Beytenu upholds the national, statesmanlike, and security-oriented values that he associates with the Likud party of the past, suggesting a perceived departure from these principles in the current Likud leadership. As a member of the religious Zionist community and a resident of the West Bank settlement Alfei Menashe, Sharabi intends to focus on strengthening Jewish settlement, enhancing security, and fostering mutual responsibility within Israeli society.

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I believe in Liberman’s path and in our ability to act responsibly in the face of the challenges facing the State of Israel, and to lead it, together with its citizens, toward prosperity and success.

Avigdor Liberman welcomed Sharabi's addition, highlighting his "civic leadership" and "unifying approach." Liberman emphasized that together they would work to restore public trust in leadership and bolster security for Israeli citizens. Sharabi's move signals a potential shift in the political landscape, bringing a voice deeply affected by the October 7 attacks into the opposition's efforts to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. His focus on settlement expansion and a strong security stance aligns with Yisrael Beytenu's core platform, aiming to resonate with voters prioritizing these issues.

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He represents values of responsibility, mutual solidarity, and strengthening the resilience of Israeli society. Together, we will restore public trust in leadership and return security to Israel’s citizens.