Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot Gains New Member for Yashar Party Ahead of Elections

Gadi Eisenkot, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and current chairman of the Yashar party, continues to strengthen his party's Knesset candidate list with the addition of Israel Zari. Zari, 36, currently serves as deputy mayor of Ramat Gan and head of the city's stock exchange administration. He is the youngest deputy mayor in the city's history and has focused his public and professional efforts on local government development, advancing LGBTQ+ rights, and expanding opportunities for youth.

Zari holds a bachelor's degree in communications with honors from Reichman University and completed the Argov Leadership and Diplomacy program. His past roles include personal advisor to the Minister of Transportation, spokesperson for Raanana municipality, spokesperson for the Israeli Scouts movement, and spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community in Israel. He was first elected to Ramat Gan city council in 2018 through an independent youth party he founded at age 28. In 2024, he was appointed deputy mayor and led major urban renewal projects, including relocating Wolt's headquarters and Shenkar College campus to the area, as well as managing social welfare initiatives for families and war victims.

Zari joins a roster of prominent figures in Eisenkot's party, including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, economist Shaul Meridor, former minister Matan Kahana, MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen, South Sharon Regional Council head Oshrat Gani Gonen, and retired Major General Kamil Abu Rokon. Eisenkot praised Zari as a valuable asset who embodies the young, quality public leadership Israel needs, highlighting his commitment to equality and youth.

In response to his joining, Zari emphasized his lifelong dedication to youth empowerment and the urgent need to combat societal division and hatred in Israel. He expressed confidence in Eisenkot's leadership as honest and national-minded, focused on the welfare of all Israeli citizens and promoting a vision of hope and unity.