Former Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern Joins Gadi Eizenkot’s Yisra Party

Elazar Stern, a retired IDF Major General and former Israeli Minister of Intelligence, has joined the Yisra party led by Gadi Eizenkot. Stern brings over a decade of political and parliamentary experience, having served as a Knesset member since 2013 representing the Movement and Yesh Atid parties. His roles included chairing the State Audit Committee, membership in key committees such as Foreign Affairs and Defense, Constitution, Finance, and Immigration, and leading the Subcommittee on IDF Human Resources in the last Knesset.

Throughout his political career, Stern was a prominent advocate for universal military service, preserving the Israeli people's army model, and regulating religion-state relations. He also worked to strengthen ties with the Jewish diaspora and support new immigrants, chaired the Fund for Holocaust Survivors’ Welfare, and promoted Israel’s identity as a Jewish, democratic, and constitutional state. Prior to politics, Stern had a long military career, commanding the IDF’s Training Base 1, serving as Chief Education and Youth Officer, and heading the Personnel Directorate. He initiated significant programs such as the military conversion track “Nativ,” the “Witnesses in Uniform” project, and efforts to integrate diverse populations into meaningful service. Stern also launched a bone marrow donor registry within the IDF, which has saved thousands of lives.

Born in Tel Aviv to Holocaust survivor parents, Stern helped found the community of Hoshaya in the Lower Galilee, where he currently resides with his wife, five children, and 17 grandchildren. His addition to Yisra follows other senior figures joining the party, including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen and former ministers and social leaders.

Gadi Eizenkot praised Stern as a longtime friend and partner dedicated to Israel’s security and public service, emphasizing his representation of a Zionist, religious, and democratic vision. Stern expressed his commitment to leadership based on service, responsibility, and personal example, highlighting the need for a united, liberal, and inclusive Jewish state. He cited his trust in Eizenkot’s leadership and the importance of experienced, reliable governance in Israel’s current challenging times.