Survivor of October 7 Massacre Declines Likud Party List Offer

Aviyad Bechar, a survivor of the October 7 massacre at Kibbutz Be'eri, was offered a reserved spot on the Likud party list for the upcoming elections, according to Channel 13 news. Bechar fought bravely against terrorists during the attack but suffered devastating personal losses, including the deaths of his wife Dana and son Carmel, and the loss of his leg in the battle. Since the tragedy, he has become a vocal figure advocating for a hardline military approach in Gaza, calling for an expanded offensive and the removal of Hamas from power.

Despite his security-aligned views and the offer from Likud, Bechar ultimately declined to enter politics. The offer was part of Likud leadership’s broader efforts to strengthen its Knesset list ahead of the elections. Similar attempts were reportedly made to recruit former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon back to the party, but those discussions have not yet resulted in an agreement. Meanwhile, Bechar has returned to agricultural work despite his injuries, continuing his life in Be'eri.