{
  "id": 17392147,
  "title": "Who are the high-profile names making their way into politics for the first time? - explainer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/who-are-the-high-profile-names-making-their-way-into-politics-for-the",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:38:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-913392"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Several high-profile figures are transitioning into politics for the first time, marking a shift from their previous positions in media, public service, security, and protest movements. These names are expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming Knesset.\n\nYaakov Bardugo, a well-known commentator for Channel 14 and associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is one such individual. Bardugo's extensive career in public life includes serving as director-general of the Federation of Local Authorities and Israel's national lottery. He is now set to enter the Knesset, having secured a reserved spot on Likud's candidate list.\n\nDavid Peter, a lawyer and legal commentator, has been deeply involved in the government's legal battles. He has represented prominent figures such as Netanyahu, Yariv Levin, and Itamar Ben-Gvir in various proceedings. Peter's extensive knowledge of the judiciary and conservative positions on constitutional law will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the Knesset.\n\nShaul Meridor brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as director-general of the Finance Ministry's Budget Department and director-general of the Energy Ministry. Resigning from his post in August 2020 due to a conflict with then-finance minister Israel Katz and Netanyahu over economic policies during the COVID-19 crisis, Meridor will now return to public life with Yashar. His background in public service will be a crucial asset as he navigates the political landscape.\n\nKeren Terner, a high-ranking former director-general of the Transportation and Finance ministries, has also made the leap into politics. Terner's previous role alongside Meridor in the Finance Ministry drew attention during a dispute over the independence of professional staff. She has since publicly supported Meridor, further solidifying their partnership in the political arena.\n\nYoram Cohen, a retired Shin Bet official, provides a unique perspective on the security establishment's role in Israeli politics. Cohen's extensive experience in security matters and his recent criticism of the government and Netanyahu's policies make him a valuable addition to the Yashar party. His tenure in the Shin Bet will undoubtedly inform his approach to policy-making in the Knesset.\n\nNoam Tibon, a retired major-general, has gained recognition for his involvement in the public campaign demanding accountability for the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks. Tibon's military background and leadership in the campaign against the judicial overhaul will make him a vocal voice in the B Yachad party.\n\nMoshe Feiglin, a leader of the Zehut party and former Likud MK, returns to the Knesset after years outside of parliamentary politics. Feiglin's long-standing opposition to the Oslo Accords and his libertarian economic policies will be key talking points as he joins other members of the Religious Zionist Party and the Zehut list in the Knesset.\n\nRafi Ben Shitrit, a former mayor of Beit Shemesh and longtime Likud member, left the party to join Avigdor Liberman. His son's death during the October 7 attacks has fueled his commitment to seeking accountability through a state commission of inquiry. Ben Shitrit's leadership in this campaign will be a driving force in the Yisrael Beytenu party.\n\nHanamel Dorfman, Ben-Gvir's former chief of staff at the National Security Ministry, brings a wealth of experience from his work at the ministry and its relations with law enforcement agencies. Dorfman's name has also surfaced in investigations by the Justice Ministry's Police Investigation Department, further highlighting his controversial past. As he transitions to the Knesset, his connections to Ben-Gvir will undoubtedly influence his role in the party.\n\nYair \"Yaya\" Fink, a social and political activist, is a co-founder of Lobby 99 and a former CEO of the Darkenu movement. Fink's involvement in protests against the judicial overhaul and his establishment of a reservists campaign for equal military service demonstrate his commitment to social and political change. Fink's unique socioeconomic agenda and liberal religious identity make him a distinctive addition to the The Democrats party.\n\nOmri Ronen, a lawyer and reserve officer in the Maglan commando unit, is another member of The Democrats party. Ronen's personal connection to the October 7 attacks, including the loss of his grandmother and participation in fighting near the Gaza border, has fueled his activism. His experience in commando unit operations will inform his approach to security policy in the Knesset.",
  "summary": "Alongside veteran politicians, several high-profile figures with notable personal and political stories will enter parliament. These are the names to know.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}