Ex-IDF General Joins Smotrich's Party, Local Kibbutz Residents Skeptical

Former IDF Major General Yossi Bachar, a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri and a hero of the October 7th Hamas attack, has joined the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich. Bachar, who held senior command positions including commander of the Gaza Division and the Northern Corps, fought Hamas terrorists during the attack on his kibbutz and later served as deputy commander of the Southern Command during the subsequent war in Gaza.

Despite Bachar's heroic reputation, residents of Be'eri are reportedly not convinced his political move will sway local voting patterns. "He is a true hero. Yossi is one of the people who saved the lives of the kibbutz residents. He risked his life for Be'eri, and everyone thinks so here in the kibbutz, but his joining Smotrich will not change the voting patterns here," one kibbutz member stated. Merav Cohen, a resident of Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging Bachar's bravery but expressing doubt that residents of the Eshkol Regional Council would vote for the Religious Zionism party.

Smotrich welcomed Bachar, highlighting his experience in security and settlement, stating, "We are connecting Kedumim and Be'eri and building Israel's security strip." Bachar explained his decision to join, citing a desire to prevent other families from experiencing what his did on October 7th and expressing faith in Smotrich's leadership and the party's path.

The Religious Zionism party also announced the addition of Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Itamar Itam, an educator and a disabled IDF veteran who was severely wounded in Gaza during the current war. Itam has served nearly 700 days in reserve duty since October 7th and is a founder of the "Reservists Generation of Victory" movement.