Smotrich Adds Retired Brig. Gen. Yossi Bachar to Religious Zionism Knesset List
Religious Zionism chairman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the addition of retired Brig. Gen. Yossi Bachar to the party’s list for the 26th Knesset. Bachar, from Kibbutz Be’eri, fought during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and later served in senior IDF command roles.
Religious Zionism chairman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Tuesday the addition of retired Brig. Gen. Yossi Bachar to the party’s list for the 26th Knesset.
Bachar, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, was among the heroes of the fighting in the communities surrounding Gaza on the morning of Oct. 7.
Military career and role in the Oct. 7 fighting
Over the years of his service, Bachar held a series of senior command roles in the IDF, including commander of the IDF General Staff Corps, commander of the Gaza Division, commander of the Galilee Division, and commander of the Paratroopers Brigade.
On the morning of the Hamas attack, Bachar left his home in Be’eri, fought for hours against militants, and helped defend the residents of the kibbutz. Later in the war, he served as deputy commander of the Southern Command and took part in planning operations in the Gaza Strip and in overseeing them.
Smotrich’s remarks and Bachar’s response
Smotrich congratulated Bachar’s decision to join and said:
“Yossi Bachar is a hero of Israel, a settlement and security man, who understands the importance of settlement for Israel’s security. A fighter and commander with a wealth of merit, and a person who symbolizes a steadfast national spirit, acting with determination for Israel’s security even in the most difficult moments.”
The Religious Zionism chairman added:
“Yossi brings with him rich security experience, proven leadership and love of the country. His joining is a major message for Religious Zionism and for the State of Israel. We are connecting Qedumim and Be’eri and building Israel’s security belt.”
Bachar said following the announcement:
“After decades of military service for Israel’s security, and especially since the disaster of Oct. 7, I am called today to the national flag to continue the national mission also in the public arena.”
He added:
“I am joining Religious Zionism out of deep faith in the movement’s path and in the leadership of Minister Smotrich, who has demonstrated throughout the term an uncompromising commitment to strengthening Israel’s security, bolstering settlement, and the future of the state. I am enlisting to ensure that no family in Israel will have to go through what the Bachar family in Be’eri went through on Oct. 7.”
