Israeli Lawmakers' Diverse Careers Before Entering Politics

Many members of Israel's Knesset (parliament) had varied and surprising careers before entering public service. These professions ranged from law and academia to high-tech and military service, showcasing a wide array of backgrounds among the nation's lawmakers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pre-political career included military service as a combat officer in Sayeret Matkal, followed by studies in architecture and business administration at MIT. He later worked for the international consulting firm Boston Consulting Group, held executive positions at "Ramat Industries," served as a diplomat at the Israeli embassy in Washington, and was Israel's ambassador to the UN.

Several lawmakers practiced law, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, who represented right-wing activists, and Tali Gottlieb, a criminal lawyer specializing in sex offense cases and advocating for divorced men's rights, who also appeared as a legal commentator on television. Bezalel Smotrich, also a lawyer, co-founded the "Regavim" organization, which opposes illegal construction in Judea and Samaria, and managed the Kedumim Yeshiva.

Others came from military backgrounds. Miri Regev served as a senior officer in the IDF, reaching the rank of Major General, and was the IDF spokesperson during the disengagement from Gaza. Yuli Edelstein, who immigrated from the Soviet Union, was an activist for Jewish immigration, a Hebrew teacher, and a refusenik and prisoner of Zion, enduring imprisonment and injury.

Gideon Sa'ar earned degrees in political science and law, served as a student ombudsman, and interned in the civil department of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's office. Shlomo Karhi studied management accounting and information systems, became a certified public accountant, and later pursued advanced degrees in industrial engineering and management at Ben-Gurion University, eventually becoming a lecturer at Sapir Academic College, Ben-Gurion University, and Bar-Ilan University.

Amichai Chikli holds a master's degree in diplomacy and security and studied at the Jerusalem Institute of Politics. He founded the "Tavor" Yeshiva for Zionist Leadership, teaching about Zionism and Israel's security heritage. Yair Lapid had a diverse career as a writer, journalist, editor, screenwriter, playwright, songwriter, actor, and television host, and also pursued amateur boxing. Naftali Bennett began his career in high-tech, co-founding the cybersecurity company Cyota, which was sold for $145 million. He later led the startup Soluto, which was also sold, earning him millions.