Israel's Likud Party Adds War Heroes, Lawyers, and Former Labor MK to Election List

Israel's ruling Likud party has announced the addition of several prominent figures to its electoral list for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. Among the new candidates are Itzik Bunzel, father of fallen paratrooper Sergeant-Major Amit Bunzel, who has become a leading advocate for bereaved families; Eli Goldschmidt, a former Labor Party MK who has shifted his political stance to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; and attorney David Peter, a specialist in constitutional and public law.

The party also announced the inclusion of Elisha Madan, a decorated IDF reservist who lost both legs during an operation in Gaza and was a torchbearer at Israel's 77th Independence Day ceremony. Madan is also a founder of the Avigail settlement in the southern Hebron hills. Likud highlighted Bunzel's transformation of personal tragedy into public service, Goldschmidt's "awakening" after the October 7th attacks, Peter's legal expertise and connection to Jewish history, and Madan's resilience and faith.

In separate news, the Israeli military reported striking a Hamas operative in Gaza City and Hamas infrastructure in Khan Younis. Palestinian media indicated casualties in Gaza City. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States will not join international sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, while emphasizing Washington's desire for stability in the region. Additionally, four opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Benny Gantz, called for a national inquiry commission into the events preceding October 7th, following a report alleging Prime Minister Netanyahu received a warning from the UAE president about Hamas's intentions, a claim vehemently denied by Netanyahu's office.