לראשונה: בוגר מכינת בני דוד בעלי נכנס לכנסת

Itamar Eitam, a graduate of the Bnei David Academy in Eli, was sworn in today (Tuesday) as a new Member of Knesset for the 26th Knesset, representing the Religious Zionism party. He was also appointed chairman of the faction in the Knesset. The academy congratulated Eitam, noting he is the first graduate of Bnei David institutions to serve as a Knesset Member. Eitam, 45, is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, an educator, and a reserve reconnaissance battalion commander. Since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, he commanded the 6828 reconnaissance battalion of the Bislamach brigade, which fought in Gaza and Lebanon. He was seriously wounded by Hamas sniper fire during fighting in Jabalia but returned to command his soldiers after rehabilitation. During the war, he accumulated nearly 700 days of reserve duty. Eitam grew up in Moshav Nov in the Golan Heights and is the son of retired Brigadier General and former minister Efi Eitam. He holds a master's degree in national security from Bar-Ilan University and works in education in youth villages and informal frameworks. He is married with six children and resides in Hosha'aya in the Lower Galilee.