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Naftali Bennett Selects Young Activist for Knesset Election

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Naftali Bennett announced Yonatan Shalev, a 23-year-old military reservist and chairman of the Shoulder to Shoulder movement, will join his party's slate for the 2026 Knesset election.
Shalev opposes Haredi military exemptions and seeks to represent young Israelis while honoring fallen comrades.
During a Knesset session after the October 7 attack, he criticized ultra-Orthodox lawmakers and urged change.
If elected, Shalev would become Israel's youngest lawmaker.

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Story summary

Naftali Bennett announced Yonatan Shalev, a 23-year-old military reservist and chairman of the Shoulder to Shoulder movement, will join his party's slate for the 2026 Knesset election.
Shalev opposes Haredi military exemptions and seeks to represent young Israelis while honoring fallen comrades.
During a Knesset session after the October 7 attack, he criticized ultra-Orthodox lawmakers and urged change.
If elected, Shalev would become Israel's youngest lawmaker.