Former PM Naftali Bennett Adds Northern Israel Social Entrepreneur Nissan Zaabi to 'Together' Party List

Former Prime Minister and leader of the 'Together' party, Naftali Bennett, announced on Tuesday the addition of Nissan Zaabi to the party's candidate list for the 26th Knesset. Zaabi, a member of Kibbutz Kfar Giladi near the Lebanon border, is a prominent social entrepreneur and activist focused on rehabilitating Israel's northern front after the Iron Swords war. Since October 7, Zaabi has served over 400 days in reserve duty as part of the kibbutz's rapid response team, while his family was evacuated from their home.

Zaabi, a third-generation pioneer of Galilee settlement, founded the movements "Home - Returning to the Galilee" and "Lobby 1701" during the war to represent northern residents in efforts to restore security and promote regional development. The 'Together' party highlighted Zaabi's extensive public service experience, including senior advisory roles to ministers and Knesset members, followed by leadership positions in investment and innovation sectors.

Bennett praised Zaabi as a dedicated fighter and entrepreneur, stating, "Nissan brings the strong spirit he instilled in the north since October 7 to our national reform team. This team will develop the north, restore residents' trust, and ensure their security and prosperity." Zaabi expressed his motivation to enter politics after years of frontline activism and military service, emphasizing the need to represent the conflict zone where critical decisions about the region's future are made.

Zaabi joins other recent additions to the 'Together' list, including Mati Gil, head of the party's high-tech division and founding CEO of AION Labs, who previously held senior roles at Teva Pharmaceuticals and served as chief of staff to former Minister Avi Dichter. Zaabi stated his commitment to being the voice of northern residents, restoring hope, strengthening borders, and rebuilding their home.

The inclusion of Zaabi signals Bennett's focus on addressing northern Israel's security and development challenges ahead of the upcoming elections.