Am Israel Party Member Takes Responsibility for Election Failure

Netali Sham Tov, a member of the Am Israel party, has taken personal responsibility for her party's failure to pass the electoral threshold in the recent Knesset elections. In an Instagram post, Sham Tov stated, "When you fail, you take responsibility. I failed and I take full responsibility." She expressed gratitude to activists and supporters, vowing to continue working for Israel outside of the Knesset.

Sham Tov, who entered politics a few months ago, explained that her decision to run stemmed from a sense of responsibility regarding social and national issues she felt were not being adequately addressed. She cited concerns about the country losing the Negev and Galilee, rewarding the wrong areas, discriminating between citizens, and neglecting its good people. The October 7th attacks, she said, solidified her resolve, revealing social issues as existential threats.

While acknowledging the need to review her political strategy, Sham Tov emphasized that the election results would not deter her from public engagement. "One thing is clear to me... I will find a way to serve the only Jewish state in the world that I received as a deposit from my grandmothers, to pass it on to the next generation better. The opposite of Zionism is despair. And we deserve better," she wrote.

She also thanked her party colleagues, professionals, activists, supporters, and family. Sham Tov specifically praised Ofer Vinter as a dedicated public emissary, brave leader, and true fighter, expressing hope for his future leadership. Reflecting on the incoming Knesset, she regretted that some individuals and parties she wished to see represented were left out. Sham Tov urged the elected politicians to listen to the voters and form a stable government, stating, "There are enough mandates here that want a Jewish and democratic state, get into one room and come out with a government. Israelis deserve this and we need it as a state."