Bereaved Father Urges Likud Members to Choose Unifying Leaders Over Divisive Politicians

Hagai Lover, a bereaved father whose son was killed in service to Israel, addressed Likud party members ahead of the party's primary elections held on Monday. In an open letter, Lover urged members to vote for candidates who embody responsibility, humility, and public service rather than those who engage in inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks. Although he does not vote for Likud himself, Lover felt compelled to speak out on the day members shape the party's Knesset list.

Lover criticized candidates who boast about conflicts with political rivals, use insults in the Knesset and media, or hastily label political disagreements. He also opposed selecting candidates based on "loyalty metrics," emphasizing that leadership quality and proven achievements should guide the vote. He reminded members that they are choosing future public leaders, not just party affiliates.

He called for humble, honest, and attentive candidates who accept responsibility for failures and strive for unity even with dissenters. Lover stressed that the ruling party must present leadership that strengthens national cohesion rather than deepening societal divides. He concluded by expressing hope that the primaries would bring fresh faces to revitalize the party and reinforce its standing ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, making it truly worthy of the name Likud.