Netanyahu Unveils New Likud Knesset Candidates, Including Bereaved Families and Security Figures

Prime Minister and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu revealed seven new "armored" candidates for the Likud party's Knesset list on Tuesday. These additions include figures from the security, media, and legal fields, as well as individuals associated with fallen soldiers' families and war events.

Among the prominent new candidates are media personality Yaakov Bardugo, slated for the 11th spot, and Talik Guili, mother of fallen soldier Sergeant Major Rani Guili, who will be placed ninth. Elisha Medan, a reservist who was severely wounded in Gaza and lost both legs, is set to occupy the 15th position. Other additions include attorney David Peter (16th), former Labor party faction chairman Eli Goldschmidt (26th), Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen Sergeant Amit Bonzel (29th), and retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi (35th).

Talik Guili, whose son Rani was killed and body abducted on October 7th, has become a public figure advocating for the return of hostages. She will take the highest position among the new candidates at ninth place. Yaakov Bardugo, a political commentator and lawyer known for his nationalistic views and proximity to Netanyahu, will be placed 11th. Elisha Medan, a reservist who lost his legs in Gaza and has become a symbol for wounded soldiers, will be 15th.

Attorney David Peter, a legal scholar associated with the Kohelet Forum, will be 16th. Eli Goldschmidt, a former Knesset member for the Labor party, makes a return to politics at the 26th spot, reportedly due to a shift in his security and political views following the October 7th events. Itzik Bonzel, whose son Amit fell in Gaza, will be placed 29th. The list concludes with retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi, founder of the 'Bithonistim' (Security Advocates) movement, at 35th, with his movement also announcing its affiliation with the Likud party.

These new placements are intended to convey key messages for the upcoming elections, focusing on the war, bereavement, security, law, and media, alongside a veteran politician from a different party.