Fallen Soldier's Father Joins Politics, Vows to Rebuild Gaza Envelope
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Nir Hajbi, whose 18-year-old son Yonatan was killed on October 7th, has joined the "Yashr!" political party led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Hajbi, a retired Colonel, was abroad when his son died defending his grandparents' home. He returned to military service the next day and has since dedicated himself to rehabilitating the Gaza Envelope region. His political platform focuses on rebuilding the South, strengthening security, and addressing the burden of reserve duty.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Nir Hajbi, father of fallen soldier Yonatan Hajbi, joins Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashr!" party.
- Yonatan Hajbi, 18, was killed on October 7th while defending his grandparents' home.
- Nir Hajbi returned to military service on October 8th, prioritizing national defense.
- Hajbi aims to lead the rehabilitation efforts for the Gaza Envelope region.
- He advocates for strengthening security, settlement, and addressing reserve duty burdens.
Nir Hajbi, a retired Colonel and father of Yonatan Hajbi, who was killed on October 7th, has joined the political party "Yashr!" led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Hajbi, 52, a father of five and member of Kibbutz Kisufim, served for 26 years as a combat officer in the Golani Brigade and continued in reserve duty, reaching the rank of Colonel. During the Swords of Iron War, he served hundreds of days as a battalion commander and was recognized as an outstanding officer by the Chief of Staff in 2025. He was also involved in establishing the Besor sector of the Home Front Command, aimed at strengthening civilian response and ties with Gaza Envelope communities.
On October 7th, Hajbi was abroad when his 18-year-old son, Yonatan, was defending himself at his grandparents' home in Moshav Yachini. While Hajbi tried to save his son from afar for three hours, his battalion commander called him to mobilize the unit for war. He was torn between his role as a father and his duty as a commander. The next day, he landed in Israel and went directly to his battalion. His son Yonatan, who was working at his grandparents' farm, was shot by terrorists and died of blood loss after three hours, without his father being able to say a proper goodbye.
Hajbi chose to return to military service on October 8th, prioritizing the country's defense over his personal grief. He has since completed hundreds of days of reserve duty, continued his community work, and focused on the rehabilitation of the Western Negev. His decision to enter politics stems from a sense of mission and a desire to protect the homeland, especially in light of the country's current crisis.
Hajbi's political platform emphasizes the rehabilitation of the South and North, strengthening security, settlement, and communities. He is particularly focused on leading the efforts to rebuild the Gaza Envelope, an area close to his heart as his place of residence and a sector he commanded. He also aims to address issues related to the burden of reserve duty and fair distribution of responsibility among citizens, noting his concern for reservists not receiving adequate compensation and the ongoing debate over the conscription law.
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