Former Minister Elazar Stern Joins Gadi Eizenkot’s New Party Yashar

Ten days after leaving Yesh Atid, former minister and Knesset member Elazar Stern officially joined the new party Yashar, led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot. Stern’s move adds to a growing list of senior figures joining Eizenkot’s party, including former Knesset member and Kulanu faction leader Roy Folkman. Stern emphasized his lifelong belief in leadership through service, responsibility, and personal example, expressing his vision for a Jewish, democratic, and liberal state that unites society and fosters shared responsibility for its future.

Stern praised Eizenkot’s leadership, calling him a trusted leader who prioritizes the country’s welfare over political or personal considerations. Eizenkot welcomed Stern’s arrival, highlighting his decades of service to Israel’s security and public sector, and noting Stern’s representation of national religious Zionism committed to service, responsibility, and the connection between Judaism and democracy. Eizenkot also stressed the importance of Stern’s principled voice amid current political polarization.

Elazar Stern, 69, entered politics ahead of the 2013 elections on Tzipi Livni’s Hatnuah list, later joining Yesh Atid in 2015 after Livni’s party dissolved. He served in several Knesset committees and was Minister of Intelligence in the Bennett-Lapid government. Stern was a prominent advocate on issues such as military conscription equality and the relationship between religion and state, notably opposing the exemption of ultra-Orthodox from military service.

Stern announced his departure from Yesh Atid after 11 years just over a week ago, following earlier statements that he would align with Eizenkot if he remained in politics. His resignation from the Knesset coincided with ongoing negotiations with Eizenkot. Prior to politics, Stern served for decades in the IDF, reaching the rank of Major General and holding key command and personnel roles. He was involved in initiatives like the military conversion program "Nativ" and integrating bone marrow donor testing into recruitment.

Stern joins a roster of notable figures in Eizenkot’s party, including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, former ministers Matan Kahana and Orit Farkash-Hacohen, economist Shaul Meridor, retired Major General Kamil Abu Rokon, and South Sharon Regional Council head Oshrat Gani Gonen. The party presents itself as a team with extensive security, governmental, economic, and social experience ahead of upcoming elections.