Naftali Bennett Announces New Member Tomer Weiner, Though He Has Worked with Him Over a Year

Naftali Bennett recently announced that Tomer Weiner has joined his political ranks, highlighting Weiner's military service and reserve duty. However, it emerged that Weiner has been working for Bennett for over a year, managing the WhatsApp group "I am with Bennett." This longstanding connection contrasts with the announcement's portrayal of Weiner as a new addition.

Weiner has a significant political background with the Yesh Atid party, having run for the Knesset three times and serving on the Herzliya city council under Yesh Atid. Despite this, Bennett's announcement omitted these details, focusing instead on Weiner's military credentials. This selective presentation has drawn criticism for downplaying Weiner's established political ties.

Weiner was also involved in the "Bo'u" association, which worked with student groups and reservists, alongside Shaked Ben-Pnasi, a former deputy during election campaigns and Yesh Atid candidate. After media scrutiny, "Bo'u" ceased operations and rebranded as "Magen HaDor," with Weiner as chairman and Ben-Pnasi as a co-founder.

Interestingly, despite the announcement of his joining Bennett, Weiner could still enter the Knesset as a Yesh Atid member before the next elections. This possibility arises due to potential resignations within Yesh Atid, which would move Weiner up the party list. This scenario highlights a political irony where Weiner might serve as a Yesh Atid MK even as he is presented as a new recruit to Bennett's camp.