Ex-Hi-Tech CEO Mati Gil Joins Naftali Bennett’s Yachd Party Ahead of Elections

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yachd party, announced the addition of Mati Gil, a biotech entrepreneur and CEO of AION Labs, to the party’s list for the 26th Knesset elections. Gil, who leads the party’s hi-tech sector, brings extensive experience in biotechnology and artificial intelligence-driven drug development. Under his leadership, AION Labs has launched 10 startups in four years. Previously, Gil held senior management roles at Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva.

Gil also has a notable security background, having served as chief of staff to former Public Security Minister Avi Dichter and as a reserve lieutenant colonel. He was wounded in a Hamas shooting attack during a briefing near the Gaza border and helped establish a joint operations center between the IDF and the US Central Command during the Iron Swords campaign in Lebanon.

Bennett praised Gil as a significant asset to Israel’s "team of repair," emphasizing the need to retain top talent and maintain Israel’s global technological leadership. Gil expressed his motivation to contribute to the country’s future leadership and development after years in both public and private sectors.

This recruitment comes as Yachd faces challenges in recent polls, which show the party dropping to 13 seats. Bennett is also negotiating with MK Hili Tropper for a possible list merger, though talks have not yet concluded.