Wounded IDF Veteran Elisha Medan Tapped for Likud Knesset List

With the deadline for submitting party lists for the upcoming elections looming, the Likud party has begun announcing its reserved spots, with wounded IDF reservist Elisha Medan being the first to be confirmed. Medan, who lost both his legs during combat in Gaza, will be placed in the 11th position on the Likud's Knesset list.

Medan, a co-founder of the settlement of Avigail in the Hebron Hills, was honored with lighting a beacon at last year's Independence Day ceremony, recognizing his resilience and recovery. The Likud party stated that Medan embodies values of dedication, responsibility, love for the land, and camaraderie, calling his journey from the battlefield to rehabilitation a testament to the Israeli spirit.

Medan was severely injured in an operation in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, where four of his comrades were killed. His rehabilitation process has been described by the Likud as a symbol of determination and faith in life. The party highlighted his choice to look forward and continue contributing to Israeli society despite his profound injuries.

This placement comes after Oren Dobronsky, who was initially slated for the 11th spot, announced he was relinquishing it. Dobronsky stated he preferred to serve as a professional minister rather than accept the reserved seat offered by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which would have required him to renounce his American citizenship. Dobronsky had been considered for a role as Minister for AI Affairs.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to finalize and announce all the candidates he wishes to reserve spots for, despite the approaching deadline. The Likud's internal tribunal had urged him to submit the names earlier, warning of potential consequences if he failed to do so. Netanyahu reportedly informed the tribunal that he would release the names on Tuesday morning. Other potential candidates Netanyahu is considering for reserved spots include attorney David Peter and attorney Yiska Bina, head of the Movement for Governability and Democracy, as well as Talik Guili, mother of the late Ran Guili.