Shvot Raanan quits the Reservists Party before primaries

Attorney Shvot Raanan announced that she is leaving the Reservists Party and will not run in the party’s primaries for the Knesset, which are taking place today. The decision comes just before the party, led by Yoaz Hendel, chooses its list for the 26th Knesset, with results due to be published tomorrow.

In a letter to party members, Raanan said she was stepping back “out of deep responsibility for our public struggle and in search of the most precise path forward.” She wrote that joining the Reservists Party had seemed like a natural continuation of her public campaign on behalf of mobilized families and an attempt to build “new, clean and unifying political power” for the national-religious and right-wing public looking for a home.

But, she said, after weeks of primaries she concluded that “the transition from an authentic reservists’ struggle to a political framework is less suited to realizing that hope.” Raanan added that her commitment to public service remains intact.

She said she would continue working for a “broad Zionist government” that would pass a “responsible and fair enlistment law,” defeat Israel’s enemies, advance reconstruction and settlement across the country, preserve democratic balance for real public debate, and improve children’s education. The party’s slate includes reserve soldiers, bereaved families, wounded IDF veterans, and activists opposing a draft exemption law. Last week, the party also chose Hendel to remain chairman.