New MK Sets Up Unity Tent Outside Knesset
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
New Likud Member of Knesset Elisha Magen, who lost both legs in Gaza, set up a "unity tent" outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Saturday evening. He is calling for a unity government and invited the public to join him for dialogue. Magen, a decorated reservist, stated his intention to remain in the tent day and night to represent the public's desire for national unity. His initiative has drawn support, with dozens gathering at the site.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Elisha Magen established a unity tent outside the Knesset calling for a unity government.
- Magen lost both legs fighting in Gaza and was recently sworn into the Knesset.
- He intends to stay in the tent day and night to express the public's desire for unity.
- Dozens of people have come to support his initiative, with five tents erected.
- Magen stated he felt compelled to enter politics to foster genuine national unity.
Freshly sworn-in Member of Knesset Elisha Magen (Likud) established a "unity tent" outside the Knesset building in Jerusalem on Saturday evening, calling for the formation of a "unity government." Magen, who lost both his legs during the war in Gaza, was photographed holding a sign reading "Unity!" His initiative garnered support, with dozens of people joining him and five tents ultimately being set up.
Magen stated in a video released en route to the Knesset that he intended to stay in the tent day and night, regardless of the weather, to express the desire for unity felt by many Israelis. He emphasized his belief that the Knesset should reflect the unity seen on the battlefield and in volunteer efforts, and invited the public to join him for conversation and a warm drink.
Magen, 47, was placed on the Likud list by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is the son of Rabbi Yaakov Magen, a leader of Yeshivat Har Etzion, and co-founded the settlement of Avigil in southern Mount Hebron. He also co-founded the Mar'ul unit, a reconnaissance and tracking unit in the IDF. Following the October 7th massacre, he fought in Gaza as a reservist. In November 2023, he was severely wounded in an explosion near Beit Hanoun, resulting in the amputation of both his legs. After extensive rehabilitation, he began giving lectures and was chosen to light a torch at the 2025 Independence Day ceremony.
In a prior interview, Magen revealed he never aspired to be a politician, with the idea emerging after his injury and experiencing the nation's support. He felt a calling for genuine unity, akin to the camaraderie of soldiers from diverse backgrounds fighting together. He explained that while he initially hesitated due to his recovery and other life plans, he felt compelled to enter public service when approached by leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Chief of Staff.
Magen described his decision as a realization that he was still a soldier in a nation undergoing a test since October 7th. He weighed the decision, ultimately concluding that concerns about comfort or unfamiliarity with politics were weak justifications for not pursuing unity, especially given his identity as a fighter. He expressed that fear was the only thing separating him from this path.
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