Wounded Warrior Elisha Magen Seeks Unity in Politics
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Elisha Magen, a Likud Knesset candidate and severely wounded combat veteran, is calling for a broad coalition government to heal national divisions. He believes unity can best be achieved from within a large party and is willing to compromise on his own views to encourage broader participation. Magen plans to pursue his parliamentary duties alongside his ongoing rehabilitation from his war injuries, seeing both as parallel missions to serve the country.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud Knesset candidate Elisha Magen advocates for a broad coalition government to unite Israelis.
- Magen, a severely wounded combat veteran, is willing to compromise on his views for inclusivity.
- He believes unity is best achieved from within a large, powerful political party like Likud.
- Magen plans to balance his parliamentary duties with his ongoing physical rehabilitation.
- He sees his political role as a continuation of his military service and a fight for Israel.
Elisha Magen, severely wounded in combat and now a Likud Knesset candidate, is advocating for a broad coalition government, even if it means compromising on his own political stances to heal national divisions. In an interview with Arutz 7, Magen, who lost both legs in the war, discussed the personal cost of entering politics, the memory of fallen comrades, and his ongoing rehabilitation alongside his parliamentary duties.
Magen, ranked 15th on the Likud list, believes a narrow government is unhealthy and called for inclusivity, stating, "There is half the nation that is afraid, that is terrified, that is Zionist. These are our brothers who serve with us in the army." He expressed a willingness to set aside some of his personal positions to encourage broader participation in the government, emphasizing that shared Zionist values and concern for Israel's well-being far outweigh political differences.
He explained his decision to join the Likud, a party at the center of public debate, by arguing that achieving unity is most practically done from within a large, politically powerful party. Magen believes a strong Likud and right-wing bloc victory would enable the formation of a wide-ranging government, and he suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also desires such a coalition, contrasting this with other parties' preconditions. He urged party leaders to end mutual boycotts and work together, stating, "We need to manage this country together, we need to heal the rifts together."
Magen drew a parallel between his military service and his new political role, highlighting the deep bonds formed with fellow soldiers from diverse backgrounds. He recounted an experience at the Jerusalem District Court supporting a fellow reservist, where soldiers who served together, regardless of their political views, showed up in solidarity. This, he said, exemplifies the Israeli people's interconnectedness and shared commitment.
Despite his ongoing rehabilitation from severe injuries, including adapting prosthetics and managing pain, Magen is determined to stand at the Knesset swearing-in ceremony and achieve full functional mobility. He plans to pursue his parliamentary work concurrently with his recovery, viewing both as parallel journeys. Magen sees his entry into politics as a continuation of his service, a fight for Israel, albeit on a different front, driven by the same values and the desire to foster unity and address the nation's challenges.
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