Israeli Election Candidates Vie for Knesset Seats Amid Shifting Polls
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
As Israel's election nears, numerous candidates are campaigning intensely to secure Knesset seats, with their prospects heavily dependent on final opinion polls. The article profiles several "swing candidates" from various parties, including reserve colonel Nir Hajbi, who lost his son on October 7th but returned to service, and attorney Ron Barkai, both running for the Yashar! party. Other notable figures include Likud's Boaz Bismut and David Biton, and former Mossad official Ram Ben Barak for the "Achadut" party. Many candidates, like Shai Fisher and Itamar Eitam, have military backgrounds, while others, such as Moshe Redman Abutbul, are known for their activism.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Numerous Israeli election candidates are actively campaigning to secure Knesset seats as the election approaches.
- Candidates like Nir Hajbi and Shai Fisher of the Yashar! party have personal ties to the October 7th attacks.
- Incumbent Knesset members such as Boaz Bismut and David Biton are running for Likud, facing uncertain positions.
- Former officials like Ram Ben Barak and Nimrod Shefer are seeking Knesset seats with parties like "Achadut" and The Democrats.
- Several parties, including "Am Israel" and "The Reservists-The Economic," are polling near the electoral threshold.
- Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including military veterans and activists, are featured across the political spectrum.
As Israel's next general election approaches, many candidates are closely monitoring the dwindling number of opinion polls, hoping to secure a Knesset seat. These "swing candidates," as they are described, are actively campaigning, trying to garner every vote that could be decisive for their parties.
The article profiles several such candidates across various parties, highlighting their backgrounds and the challenges they face. Among them is Nir Hajbi, a reserve colonel and resident of Kibbutz Kissufim, who is ranked 22nd on the Yashar! party list. Hajbi lost his son, Yonatan, in the October 7th Hamas attack but returned to command a reserve battalion during the recent war, stating, "I will find time to mourn my son, but now we must fight." Also on the Yashar! list is attorney Ron Barkai, ranked 23rd, who has a background in civil society organizations and previously served as a parliamentary advisor. At number 24 is Shai Fisher, a 25-year-old paramedic and reservist who served in Gaza and Lebanon. Her family suffered losses in the conflict, with her grandmother and great-uncle killed in a rocket attack on their home.
For the Likud party, Knesset member Boaz Bismut is placed at number 21. He previously served as chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. At number 22 is Knesset member David Biton, a senior Likud figure who has faced legal challenges. Communications Minister Shlomo Karai is at number 23, having recently clashed with the Attorney General over broadcasting reforms.
In the "Achadut" (Together) party, former deputy Mossad chief and Knesset member Ram Ben Barak is at number 12. He expressed disappointment with his placement due to the party's crowded list. Amir Strogo, former CEO of the "Acharei!" movement, is at number 13, focusing on grassroots work. Knesset member Naor Shiri is at number 14, known for his parliamentary activity and for exposing illegal fund transfers.
The Democrats party features activist Moshe Redman Abutbul at number 9, a prominent leader in the protests against the judicial overhaul. Sumaya Bashir, a social-political activist, is at number 10, representing minorities. Former fighter pilot and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, Nimrod Shefer, is at number 11, who was dismissed from reserves after signing the "Pilots' Letter."
Yisrael Beiteinu has Alvira Kolyachman, deputy mayor of Lod, at number 9, focusing on civil issues. Former Knesset member Dan Illouz, who left Likud over disagreements on the conscription law, is at number 10. Lili Ben Ami, founder of the Michal Sela Forum, is at number 11, advocating for women's safety.
Otzma Yehudit has Tzachi Eliyahu at number 8, an activist previously associated with the Kach movement. Yossi Goldberger, a Chabad Hassid, is at number 9, facing criticism from some Chabad rabbis.
The Joint List includes attorney Ahmed Darawsheh at number 8, a representative of the Ta'al party, and educator Dr. Nahiya Washahee at number 9.
United Torah Judaism has Yaakov Tessler at number 8, a representative of the Vizhnitz Hasidic dynasty, who previously served as deputy minister of culture. Dudi Zalts is at number 9, a faction chairman in Beitar Illit.
Shas features Knesset member Moshe Abutbul at number 7, a former mayor of Beit Shemesh. Former Health Minister Uriel Busso is at number 8.
Religious Zionism-Identity has reserve lieutenant colonel Itamar Eitam at number 2, son of former minister Efi Eitam. Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot is at number 7, who caused international controversy after being filmed destroying a terrorist monument.
Ra'am includes Knesset member Iman Khatib-Yassin at number 5 and Knesset member Dr. Yasser Hajiriat at number 6.
Ofer Winter's "Am Israel" party and Yoaz Hendel's "The Reservists-The Economic" party are polling around the electoral threshold and may not pass.
The article highlights the intense competition and the diverse backgrounds of candidates vying for a place in the next Knesset, with many facing uncertain prospects based on current polling data.
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