Hagai Lover Launches New Party Urging Netanyahu and Eizenkot to Unite

Hagai Lover, father of Staff Sergeant Elisha Yehonatan Lover who was killed in combat in southern Gaza after October 7, announced in a 103FM radio interview that he is founding a new political party. He stated that he will demand that Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eizenkot, leaders of the two largest parties, come together, emphasizing that his party will act as the balance of power. Lover stressed that his party will not allow a divided government, warning that a "half-hearted government" causes deep national rifts and ultimately led to the events of October 7.

Lover, like many bereaved parents from the October 7 conflict who plan to run in the upcoming elections, highlighted unity as a core value. He acknowledged potential criticism of naivety but argued that Israel’s founding and military victories were achieved through idealism and steadfastness. He noted that parties are increasingly calling for unity, reflecting a shift in political discourse.

He also referenced voices from the field, including reservists who served together in tanks and want that camaraderie to extend into the Knesset. Several bereaved families, particularly those involved in opposing the exemption from military service law, support this initiative aiming to form a unity government. Notably, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz and Yoaz Hendel, head of the Reservists’ Party, have met with some of these families ahead of the elections.