Benet Defends High Knesset List Placement for Young Candidate Amid Criticism

Former Prime Minister and "Bayit Yehudi" party chairman Naftali Bennett is facing criticism from both the right and left of the political spectrum regarding the high placement of Yonatan Shilo on his party's Knesset list. Critics question Shilo's experience and argue his position ahead of veteran lawmakers shows disrespect for parliament and voters. Journalist Roi Yanovsky stated that Shilo's top-ten placement conveys a message that "noise, bells, and visibility are more important than practical experience, delivering results, and real long-term action." Yanovsky also questioned why Shilo was chosen to represent reservists, suggesting more experienced candidates were available, and whether Shilo's position was necessary to attract young voters.

Further criticism came from reserve soldier Yehonatan Werner, a resident of the Gaza border area, who highlighted a past video where Shilo admitted to lying to Avi Dichter about having thousands of supporters to secure a meeting. Werner argued Shilo lacks the civilian experience to justify a Knesset seat and criticized his portrayal as a representative of "serving youth." Werner also suggested Shilo's connection to Bennett stems from a past business exit by Shilo's mother with Bennett, calling the placement "embarrassing."

Criticism also emerged from the left. Haaretz journalist Josh Breiner expressed bewilderment at Shilo's high ranking, questioning the rationale and suggesting that "these elections are too critical for work arrangements for children of." He implied it was not too late to reconsider.

Bennett responded to the criticism, explaining that Shilo, who will be 24 on election day, founded "the largest serving youth organization in Israel" and worked with lawmakers against the conscription law. Bennett argued that the current government fails to adequately address the needs of serving youth and reservists. He stated Shilo would be a voice for this generation and emphasized that young people have historically driven significant change, citing examples from the Second Aliyah. Bennett also noted Shilo's military service as a sergeant major in the elite Maglan unit, his command of operations in Lebanon and Gaza, and that he narrowly escaped death in Lebanon months prior. He also mentioned Shilo's grandfather, who was killed in the Yom Kippur War. Bennett concluded by expressing pride in Shilo and the party's diverse list of performers and leaders, vowing to "fix Israel together."