Former IDF Officer Shahar Veron Joins Naftali Bennett to Lead New IDF Veterans Rehabilitation Initiative

Naftali Bennett, former Prime Minister and leader of the "Together" party, announced the addition of retired Captain Shahar Veron to his political faction on Sunday. Veron, one of the founders of the "Shoulder to Shoulder" organization supporting Israeli soldiers, will spearhead a new comprehensive rehabilitation plan for wounded IDF veterans, focusing on both physical and mental recovery.

Veron, 30, served as a combat soldier and commander in the Maglan unit and the Paratroopers Brigade. On October 7, he independently left his assigned sector to join the battle for Sderot and fought in the village of Gaza until the kibbutz was secured. During Operation Iron Swords, he was severely wounded in a clash in Gaza but continued to lead his troops, self-treated under fire, and refused evacuation until the attackers were neutralized. Remarkably, he returned to command about two weeks after his injury.

The rehabilitation plan Veron will lead includes an additional budget of over 2 billion shekels, full implementation of the "One Soul" program within six months of government formation, and the establishment of a national rehabilitation authority. The plan also proposes streamlining medical committee processes using AI technology, providing free legal assistance to wounded soldiers to secure their rights, and prioritizing them in housing programs.

Bennett praised Veron as "the right person to lead the rehabilitation project in the next government," while Veron expressed his commitment to public service and ensuring no veteran is left behind. This move follows the recent inclusion of Jonathan Shalev, another "Shoulder to Shoulder" founder, who also joined Bennett's party with a shared vision to support Israel's youth and rebuild the country after the October 7 crisis.

The "Shoulder to Shoulder" organization was established in 2024 in response to proposed legislation on draft evasion and increasing burdens on serving soldiers. Its founders, including Veron and Shalev, oppose exemptions from military service and view Bennett's party as a natural home for advancing their shared goals. The organization publicly endorses Bennett for prime minister in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need to harness the energy of Israel's young generation to restore the nation.