Ex-Yesh Atid MK Elazar Stern joins Eisenkot's Yashar, after announcing resignation from Knesset
Earlier this month, Stern announced his resignation from Yesh Atid, where he had been a member since 2015, and initially said he would resign from the Knesset entirely.
A recent Channel 13 poll has placed Yashar, a new political party founded in 2025, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party in the Israeli parliament. With 26 seats, Yashar would become the largest faction in the legislature. Orit Farkash-Hacohen, a Yashar candidate, sees this as a natural development, stating that voters are seeking an alternative to Netanyahu's leadership and style.
Recent polls have been consistent in placing Yashar ahead of Likud, with the party ranging from 22 to 26 seats, while Likud has ranged from 21 to 23 seats. As the party gains political traction, it is being asked to provide detailed plans outlining their policies on the economy, military service, public spending, and regional recovery efforts following the events of October 7.
Yashar's leader, Eisenkot, has begun preparations for potential government, focusing on creating a cabinet that prioritizes public service over political survival. The party's appeal is tied to Eisenkot's personal qualities, with voters looking for leadership associated with integrity and public service. Political scientist Jack Drassinower notes that Israeli elections have increasingly centered on party leaders, with Eisenkot's military background giving him an advantage in a security-focused election environment.
Farkash-Hacohen aims to reduce societal divisions that have deepened since the October 7 attacks, accusing the current government of using polarization as a political tool. She wants to bring back unity among Israelis, emphasizing the resilience and unity of the Israeli people. Additionally, Yashar seeks to broaden military or national service, including populations that have historically had exemptions, such as ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis.
The economic platform of Yashar has received less attention compared to other areas, which Drassinower considers a weakness. Farkash-Hacohen details her party's economic plans, which include addressing the rising cost of defense, reducing unnecessary ministries, and reviewing subsidies that discourage workforce participation. The party also plans to tackle grocery and cosmetics markets, which are affected by concentrated corporate power and exclusive import agreements.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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