Bennett Defends Young Candidate's High Knesset List Placement

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has broken his silence to defend the placement of Yonatan Shilo, a young candidate, at tenth position on his Knesset list. The decision sparked political controversy, with critics like Amit Segal and Haim Levinson questioning Shilo's high ranking above more experienced political and security figures. Michael Shemesh also highlighted the disparity.

In a post on X, Bennett addressed the criticism, acknowledging the legitimacy of questions about Shilo's age but asserting that they overlook his accumulated experience. Bennett clarified that Shilo, contrary to some reports, will be 24 on election day, not 21. He highlighted Shilo's accomplishments, including founding Israel's largest organization for serving youth and advocating in the Knesset against draft evasion laws.

Bennett framed Shilo's inclusion as a representation of young Israelis serving in the military and reserves, arguing that the current government neglects their needs. He criticized the government's perceived indifference to the challenges faced by reservists juggling service with civilian life, calling it "unbearable." Bennett also pointed to the issue of ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions as a key political battleground.

Further attacking the current government, Bennett criticized its cabinet members, including Deri, Smotrich, and Ben-Gvir, for their roles in draft policies and their own military service records. He stated Shilo's purpose is to be a voice for this generation and drive policy change. Bennett also drew historical parallels, citing young leaders from the Second Aliyah who initiated significant movements in their twenties.

Bennett detailed Shilo's military service as a Sergeant Major in the elite Maglan unit, noting his command of operations in Lebanon and Gaza despite not being an officer, and mentioned Shilo was nearly killed in Lebanon recently. He also revealed Shilo's grandfather was Lieutenant Colonel Shaul Shilo, a tank battalion commander who fell in the Yom Kippur War. Bennett concluded by expressing pride in Shilo and his diverse list of candidates, vowing to "fix Israel."