Ramat Gan Deputy Mayor and head of the Diamond Exchange District Administration, Israel Zari, joined Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party on Tuesday, the party announced, marking him as the latest public official to join the former IDF chief's list.
Eisenkot praised Zari's record in municipal government and public service, highlighting his work to strengthen local government, advance equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, and expand opportunities for young Israelis.
"Israel brings with him young, courageous, and principled leadership, alongside municipal experience and extensive work to strengthen civic engagement among teenagers and young adults," Eisenkot said.
"Together with him, we will continue building honest, responsible, and unifying national leadership for all Israeli citizens."
Zari, 36, is a Ramat Gan resident who holds a bachelor's degree in communications with honors from Reichman University and is a graduate of the Argov Program for Leadership and Diplomacy.
Israel Zari, first openly gay Ramat Gan official, joins Eisenkot's party
Before entering elected office, he served as a personal adviser to Israel's transportation minister, spokesperson for the Ra'anana Municipality, spokesperson for the Israeli Scouts movement, and spokesperson for the Aguda, The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel. Those roles gave him experience working with government ministries, local authorities, and civil society organizations.
In 2018, Zari was first elected to the Ramat Gan City Council through an independent party for young residents that he founded at the age of 28. He became the city's first openly LGBTQ elected official and later led reforms that brought Ramat Gan to the top of the Aguda's national municipal LGBTQ equality index.
Previous recruits include former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, economist Shaul Meridor, former minister Matan Kahana, former minister and MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen, former Aharai CEO Inbar Harush Giti, social activist Alex Rif, attorney Inbar Yehezkeli, educator Dvora Sharifian Bachar, former Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj.-Gen. (res.) Kamil Abu Rokon, Drom HaSharon Regional Council head Oshrat Gani Gonen, and social activist Yaffa Tabaja.
Zari said his decision to enter national politics stemmed from his long-standing work with young Israelis and his belief that greater civic involvement is needed.
"Throughout my life I have worked with young people, and I have always taught them that if they do not act, no one else will do it for them," he said.
"The reality in Israel in 2026 requires us not to stand on the sidelines but to take responsibility and influence the country's national decision-making centers. Throughout my public service, I have believed that leadership is measured by action, by the courage to advance equality, and by concern for future generations," he added.
"The hatred and division in Israeli society are a real existential danger, and I decided to join Gadi Eisenkot and the Yashar party because I believe in honest, statesmanlike leadership that rises above partisan politics, serves all Israeli citizens, and offers a genuine vision of hope and unity."