'Running to fix broken systems’: Haskel defines Israel First as Pollard joins slate - interview

Israeli lawmaker Sharren Haskel has launched the "Israel First" party with the explicit goal of reforming what she describes as the nation's "broken systems," rather than engaging in a direct campaign to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Haskel, a former deputy foreign minister, stated that her party's objective is to gain enough parliamentary seats to demand specific changes in military service, government spending, and coalition policies.

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My abandonment and betrayal was not the exception. On October 7th, I saw that the entire country had been abandoned and betrayed.

"We don't run for the prime ministership. We run to fix the broken system of our ministries here in Israel," Haskel explained in an interview. The next phase of building the party's slate will involve introducing candidates with senior military experience, described as high-ranking officers who have served in dangerous situations over the past three years. Haskel believes their experience warrants their inclusion in national leadership roles, especially after soldiers, reservists, and their families have borne significant costs during recent conflicts.

Haskel established Israel First on July 15, shortly after resigning from her government position. Her departure followed the passage of legislation that freezes arrests and criminal proceedings against ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, a move she deemed a betrayal of Israelis serving in wartime. The new party appeals to right-wing voters who favor a strong security policy and a liberal economy but reject continued military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.

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We don’t run for the prime ministership. We run to fix the broken system of our ministries here in Israel.

Positioning herself as a distinct figure in a political landscape she characterizes as dominated by "white Ashkenazi men," Haskel highlights her own background. She is currently the only woman leading a party and emphasizes her identity as a Mizrahi former combat soldier and a mother. The party is actively seeking other prospective candidates to finalize its list before Israel's general election on October 27.

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Those people need to serve in the highest leadership roles as well, especially after all the prices they’ve paid.