Behind the Scenes: The Lesser-Known Spouses of Israeli Political Leaders
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The article introduces the spouses of prominent Israeli politicians, many of whom maintain low public profiles. Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Prime Minister, is a familiar figure, while others like Hana Eisenkot, Lia Lapid, Gilaat Bennett, Ruti Golan, and Ella Lieberman are detailed with their professions and personal activism. The presence of these spouses at the Knesset swearing-in ceremony is noted as a tradition to familiarize the public with the families of their leaders.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- The article introduces the spouses of Israeli political leaders, many of whom are not widely known.
- Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Prime Minister, is a recognized public figure.
- Hana Eisenkot, wife of Gadi Eisenkot, is an architect whose son was killed in Gaza.
- Lia Lapid, wife of Yair Lapid, is a writer and activist for people with disabilities.
- Gilaat Bennett, wife of Naftali Bennett, is a pastry chef and parenting instructor.
- Ella Lieberman, wife of Avigdor Lieberman, is a community activist.
- Ruti Golan, wife of Yair Golan, discussed the family strain from his political career.
As new and returning Knesset members were sworn in, the article highlights the often-unseen spouses of prominent Israeli politicians, providing a glimpse into their lives and professions. While Sara Netanyahu, wife of the current Prime Minister, is a well-known figure due to her husband's long tenure, others have maintained lower public profiles.
Hana Eisenkot, wife of Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and former IDF Chief of Staff, is an architect who largely remained out of the public eye during her husband's military career. Her son was killed in Gaza in December 2023. Naftali Bennett's wife, Gilaat Bennett, a pastry chef and parenting instructor, also kept a low profile, though her family faced public scrutiny over a controversial vacation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lia Lapid, wife of former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, is a writer and a prominent activist for people with disabilities, a cause she embraced after her daughter's autism diagnosis. Ruti Golan, wife of Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Yair Golan, spoke candidly about the strain her husband's political career placed on their family life.
Ella Lieberman, wife of Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman, is a community activist with a master's degree in community and welfare studies. She maintains a religious lifestyle, contrasting with her husband's secular one, and has worked with organizations focused on immigrant integration and community development.
The article emphasizes that the presence of these spouses at the Knesset swearing-in ceremony is a tradition, offering the public a chance to recognize the individuals closest to their political leaders.