Israeli Farmers Demand Guaranteed Knesset Seat on Likud List After October Conflict

Dozens of regional council heads and agricultural organization leaders have sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding a secured, realistic spot on the Likud party list for a representative of the rural settlements in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The letter, signed by prominent figures including Shay Hajaj, chairman of the Regional Council Center, Amit Yifrah, secretary-general of the Moshavim Movement, and other agricultural leaders, emphasizes the critical role that the moshavim and border communities played during the October 7 conflict, describing them as Israel's "frontline shield" in both northern and southern fronts.

They highlight the hardships these communities endured, including evacuations and significant losses, and stress the necessity for their voices to be heard in decision-making centers and in the country's rehabilitation processes. The letter specifically calls for the inclusion of MK Sasson Guetta, a member of Knesset from the Goren moshav near the northern border, who has been actively advocating for these communities both publicly and behind the scenes.

The signatories argue that this demand is not merely for one individual but represents the entire rural population's need for representation in shaping their future post-war. They remind that the moshavim stood firm for Israel during its most challenging times and now expect the Likud party to reciprocate by ensuring their political presence.