Netali Shem Tov enters politics after 13 years: "Holding back tears"

Media personality and presenter Netali Shem Tov has officially addressed her decision to join the "Amcha Yisrael" party, led by Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter. Shem Tov, a familiar face in the media and current affairs arena since 2013, has decided to transition to the forefront of public life by running on the new party list.

In an emotional post shared on social media, Shem Tov reflected on this significant step:

"I entered politics this week. I come with holy trepidation to the place where decisions are made and with the same mission I have carried all my life."

She praised her new political partner, describing him as a "brave leader, a neighbor in the Galilee, and a soldier of the people of Israel." According to Shem Tov, their partnership is rooted in a shared vision for strengthening the North and national security. She concluded by expressing gratitude for the wave of support she has received, describing a moving moment at a party event where the crowd cheered for the "Periphery," leaving her struggling to hold back tears: "Come on Amcha Yisrael, give it your all!"

Her entry into the political sphere follows a growing trend of journalists moving into public office. As previously reported, Winter launched "Amcha Yisrael" last week, with advocacy activist Yoseph Haddad also joining the ranks. Winter has emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in Israel's security doctrine:

"We will not wait for a threat — we will remove it. An enemy that starts a war against Israel will not return to the state it was in on the eve of the war. What was will not be again, and we must ensure that October 7 does not happen again."