Boost from local government: Ramat Gan deputy mayor joins Eisenkot

Israel Zari, deputy mayor of Ramat Gan and head of the Bursa administration, announced his joining the 'Yashar! with Eisenkot' party. Zari, 36, will be one of the young generation representatives in the party and will deal with local government, youth, and civil equality. Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot welcomed his joining, and Zari stated that hatred and division in Israeli society are an existential danger. He joins a series of figures who have already announced their joining the party.

Israel Zari, deputy mayor of Ramat Gan and head of the Bursa administration, announced today (Tuesday) his joining the 'Yashar! with Eisenkot' party. Zari, 36, will be one of the young generation representatives in the party and will deal with, among other things, local government, youth, and civil equality. Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot welcomed his joining and said: 'Israel represents the young and quality public leadership that the State of Israel needs at this time. He led major economic and urban projects, along with a determined struggle for equal rights and the young generation. He is a valuable and quality asset to our team.' Zari was first elected to the Ramat Gan city council in 2018, on behalf of an independent young list he founded, and was the first openly gay elected official in the city. In 2024, he was appointed deputy mayor and head of the Bursa administration. In his roles, he dealt with the renewal of the Bursa complex, promoting the move of companies and institutions to the complex, and projects in sustainability and welfare. In the past, Zari served as an advisor to the Minister of Transportation, spokesman for the Ramat Gan municipality, spokesman for the Scouts movement, and spokesman for the LGBT Association. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Reichman University and is a graduate of the Argov program for leadership and diplomacy. Zari said upon joining: 'The reality in Israel in 2026 requires us not to stand aside, but to take responsibility and influence from within national decision-making centers. Throughout my path in public service, I believed that leadership is measured by action, courage to promote equality, and concern for the future generation.' According to him, 'Hatred and division in Israeli society are a real existential danger. I decided to join Gadi Eisenkot and the 'Yashar!' party because I believe in honest and statesmanlike leadership that does not divide and sees the good of all Israeli citizens.' Zari joins a series of figures who have already announced their joining the party, including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, former minister Matan Kahana, Shaul Meridor, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Kamil Abu Rukun, and head of the South Sharon Regional Council Oshrat Gani Gonen.