Drom HaSharon Regional Council Head Oshrat Gani Gonen Joins Yashar! Party
Oshrat Gani Gonen has announced her entry into national politics by joining the Yashar! party after over three decades in local government. Gadi Eisenkot welcomed the move, stating that her extensive experience will be vital for strengthening local authorities and rural areas.
The Yashar! party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has announced a new addition to its ranks: the head of the Drom HaSharon Regional Council, Oshrat Gani Gonen, joined the party on Wednesday.
Gani Gonen, who has served as head of the council since 2018 and previously held the position of CEO of the Kfar Saba municipality, brings over three decades of experience in local and regional government. A resident of Moshav Neve Yamin, she served in the IDF as an education officer and holds a bachelor's degree in informal education along with a master's degree in educational counseling.
In an official statement, the Yashar! party noted that Gani Gonen's arrival is a significant step toward its goal of strengthening local government, regional councils, and rural areas. The party views the enhancement of local authorities and the improvement of municipal services as a core objective for the next government.
Gani Gonen is the latest in a series of senior figures to join the party in recent weeks, including former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen, economist Shaul Meridor, former minister Matan Kahana, and former Knesset member Orit Farkash-Hacohen.
"Brings proven experience"
Gadi Eisenkot welcomed her to the team:
"Oshrat brings with her proven experience in local leadership, public work, and deep familiarity with the challenges facing authorities and residents. Her extensive experience from leading a regional council will contribute significantly to our ability to strengthen local authorities and rural areas. Our connection to local government and leadership that grows from the field is a central component in building responsible national leadership. I am happy to have her on the Yashar! team and am confident that her experience and values will contribute to our ability to lead real change in the State of Israel."
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Addressing her decision to join the party, Gani Gonen stated:
"I am joining Yashar! with Eisenkot out of the understanding that the State of Israel needs change led by statesmanlike, honest, and unifying leadership. We need leadership that understands security challenges, prioritizes the national interest, and knows how to work in partnership with local government. The time has come to connect work from the field with national decision-making to strengthen Israeli society and build a better future. The time has come for leadership that can be trusted."
