Negev Veteran: 450 Reserve Days Drive New Knesset Bid
Amir Sturgo, who lost 66 students in the October 7 attack, joins Naftali Bennett’s list to push for crime and conscription reforms.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Residents of Israel’s Negev region will see a new face on the ballot in the upcoming Knesset election. Amir Sturgo, a resident of the southern region and veteran of the Second Lebanon War, is running as a candidate for Naftali Bennett’s new political party, B’Yachad. Sturgo brings a distinct background to the campaign, having spent more than 450 days on military reserve duty and serving in combat during the October 7 attack.
Sturgo currently serves as the chief executive officer of Aharai, an organization focused on developing leadership skills in Israeli youth. The October 7 massacre struck close to home for Sturgo, who lost 66 alumni from his organization. In an interview conducted shortly before the election, he described his entry into politics as a direct continuation of his work in the military, education, and civil society.
He stated that serving over 450 days in the reserves and losing so many students made him decide that political service must be his mission. Sturgo now helps lead B’Yachad party policies focused on combating crime, a priority he says is daily reality for his neighbors in the Negev.
Sturgo cited the conscription crisis and the collapse of the education system as root causes of current national challenges. He argued that B’Yachad is the only party offering detailed action plans to address these issues, alongside rampant crime and the erosion of governance.
His party proposes a policy they call the “Revolution for Those Who Serve.” The plan aims to invest in the segment of the public that works and serves in the military. Sturgo argued that investing in this group strengthens the nation’s security and prosperity, whereas investing in draft evasion and failing educational systems leads to predictable negative outcomes for the economy.
Sturgo pointed to Naftali Bennett’s prior roles as education minister, economy minister, defense minister, and prime minister as proof of his capability. He highlighted Bennett’s specific achievements, including the advanced-level education reform, the quietest year in the south regarding security, and efforts to lower prices in the economy. Sturgo noted that Bennett has delivered tangible results in every role he has held, including his time as a businessman and military commander before entering politics.
Sturgo emphasized the importance of unity, noting his own choice to live in a community that integrates religious and secular residents. He sees Bennett as a leader capable of uniting all segments of the nation. When asked for advice on entering politics, Sturgo told aspiring candidates to follow their inner convictions and not let peripheral noise hold them back.
The election is imminent, and new names are appearing on ballots across the country. Sturgo is among those hoping to shape the course of Israeli politics, leveraging his experience as a commander, CEO, and resident of the Negev to influence policy on crime and national security.
