Fallen Soldier's Father Itzik Bontzel Joins Likud Knesset Electoral Slate
Attorney Itzik Bontzel, father of a fallen IDF soldier, accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved spot on the Likud list, pledging to reform the judicial system and champion bereaved families' rights.
Attorney Itzik Bontzel, father of paratrooper reconnaissance fighter Staff Sergeant Amit Bontzel, who fell in battle, responded to his reservation in the Likud party list for the upcoming Knesset elections by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, clarifying that he did not negotiate his placement. Alongside this, he outlined the key issues he intends to promote in the Knesset, including the rights of bereaved families and sweeping reforms in the judicial system.
Acceptance of the Nomination and Loyalty to Leadership
"I received with great honor and utmost reverence the Prime Minister's offer for a reserved spot on the Likud Knesset list," Bontzel stated. According to him, at the very beginning of the discussions, he made it clear to Benjamin Netanyahu that he had no intention of bargaining over his assigned slot. "Whatever you decide, I will accept with humility and utmost reverence. You are the leader, and you know what is right for the people of Israel and the Likud movement," he added.
Bontzel emphasized that from his perspective, the primary objective is securing a Likud victory in the elections and forming a government led by Netanyahu. "The discussion is not about me, nor about my ranking. The only issue before our eyes is the future of the State of Israel and the tangible danger posed by the return of the left to power," he said.
Promoting Bereaved Families and Judicial Reform
Reflecting on his activism since the fall of his son Amit in battle in the Gaza Strip, Bontzel shared his journey. "When we rose from the shiva for my son, Amit, we embarked on a long, painful, and transformative journey," he recounted. He noted his work alongside hundreds of bereaved families within the Gibor Forum and pledged to continue fighting for their welfare. Among other initiatives, he announced his intention to promote a "comprehensive and necessary amendment" to the Bereaved Families Law, which was originally enacted in 1950 and has not been adequately updated since.
Another central issue on Bontzel's agenda is the judicial system. He stated that he will work "with all my might to achieve a substantive overhaul of the legal system," curtailing its centers of power, "returning the legal advisory system to the government to its natural size, and reining in the Supreme Court."
Commitment to Total Victory and Inquiry
Bontzel concluded by stating he will continue pushing for "total victory," as well as the establishment of a national commission of inquiry to investigate the events of October 7. Finally, he thanked the Prime Minister and his family for their trust and ongoing support, declaring: "And now, we roll up our sleeves to secure a grand victory for the right wing and the people of Israel."
