Former Ofakim Deputy Mayor Leaves Likud to Join Yisrael Beytenu
Former Ofakim deputy mayor and longtime Likud member Viktor Rachmilov is leaving Likud to join Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu party, citing failures in security and economic policy.
Viktor Rachmilov, who served two terms as deputy mayor of Ofakim and was a Likud central committee member for over two decades, is leaving the party to join Yisrael Beytenu. Rachmilov was wounded on October 7 while trying to rescue his daughter after terrorists shot at them at point-blank range.
Rachmilov stated, "After more than 20 years as a Likud central committee member, I am leaving the party and joining Yisrael Beytenu. Today's Likud no longer represents me—neither in security nor in economics. The true right wing today is only Yisrael Beytenu."
He added, "As a resident of Ofakim, I saw firsthand that for years Likud led the government and the cabinet, and during those years Hamas built tunnels, received money from Qatar, and grew stronger."
Yisrael Beytenu Chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman welcomed Rachmilov's joining, saying: "I welcome Viktor Rachmilov to Yisrael Beytenu. Viktor brings public experience and courage proven in moments of truth. The true right wing is not Likud, but Yisrael Beytenu—a right wing of security, responsibility, and conscription for all."
