Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who heads the Yisrael Beitenu party, on Monday evening 28 Teves announced his party’s lineup for the 20th Knesset elections. Unlike some other parties, Yisrael Beitenu does not hold primaries but the party leader appoints the list. This was the case in the 19th Knesset regarding Yesh Atid as well.

Six of Lieberman’s current MKs and ministers have stepped down, some leaving politics and some simply breaking from the party. Deputy Minister of the Interior Fania Kirschenbaum was compelled to back out due to the ongoing police investigation against her. Adding to Lieberman’s concerns is the ongoing Israel Police investigation into high-level government corruption, which has led to a number of his party’s people.

Lieberman explained that of 13 current Members of Knesset, only 5 will appear in the top ten lineup for the 20th Knesset.

1. Avigdor Lieberman

2. Orli Levy-Abekasis (current MK)

3. Sofia Landver (Minister of Absorption)

4. Ilan Shochat (Tzfas Mayor)

5. Sharon Gal

6. Hamad Amar (current MK)

7. Robert Ilatov (current MK)

8. Oded Forer (Director-General of Absorption Ministry)

9. Julia Milinovski

10. Shirah Mistriel

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)