ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

The Reservists Party, a new political movement led by former communications minister Yoaz Hendel, officially registered on Thursday to run in the upcoming elections, the party registrar announced.

The party, with is comprised of reserve soldiers, their families, wounded IDF veterans, bereaved families, and civilian volunteers, positions itself as a response to the leadership vacuum that followed the October 7 attacks.

In a statement released by the party, its founders said that those “who took responsibility for the country after October 7, when the government disappeared,” must now step forward.

Among its founders are prominent activists who have led national campaigns against draft dodging and promoted initiatives to advance universal conscription.

The party said it would prioritize values over political boycotts, which it claims have long undermined cooperation among Zionist factions and contributed to the failures that culminated in the October 7 massacre.

A packaging facility on Kibbutz Magen that was destroyed on October 7.
A packaging facility on Kibbutz Magen that was destroyed on October 7. (credit: via walla!, YOTAM RONEN)

Party demands October 7 probe, mandatory national service

According to the party, it will demand the adoption of several key principles before the next government is formed. These include the establishment of a Zionist government, the implementation of mandatory national service for all citizens, and the formation of a state inquiry commission into the events surrounding October 7.

“The state disappeared on October 7, and it was the reservists, (both) in uniform and as civilians, who have led it ever since,” the party said.

“We stand at the front lines because no one else will. We lead the fight for universal service in the Knesset because no one else will. And we are stepping into the political mission because no one else will. The reservists are coming to impose rehabilitation on the political system. Those responsible for October 7 must go home, and those who took responsibility that day and since must seize the centers of power and lead the country.”

The party has not yet stated whether it intends to run independently or pursue alliances ahead of the upcoming vote.