Likud central committee member defects to Yisrael Beiteinu party

Viktor Rakhimilov, a member of the Likud central committee and former deputy mayor of Ofakim, announced his defection to the Yisrael Beiteinu party after more than 20 years in Likud. In his statement he criticised Netanyahu's security policy, pointing to the strengthening of Hamas. Rakhimilov was seriously wounded on 7 October 2023 while saving his daughter from terrorists.

Viktor Rakhimilov, a member of the Likud central committee and former deputy mayor of Ofakim, announced his defection to the Yisrael Beiteinu party. He had been a member of Likud for more than 20 years. In his statement, Rakhimilov criticised the policy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that "today's Likud no longer represents my views — neither on security nor on the economy." He pointed out that while Netanyahu headed the government, Hamas built tunnels, received money from Qatar and grew stronger. Rakhimilov is a resident of Ofakim. On the morning of 7 October 2023, when terrorists seized the city, he set out to save his daughter. When his daughter was already in the car, the terrorists opened fire on them at almost point-blank range. Rakhimilov was seriously wounded. Doctors at Soroka hospital fought for his life. That day, thanks to his courage, his entire family and many neighbours were saved.