There is growing support among Israelis for former hostage Eli Sharabi to become a Member of Knesset, according to a Friday N12 poll.
The studio found that 76% of center-left voters want “new blood” to represent them in the Knesset, and 61% believe new figures could challenge, or even overthrow, the coalition.
“New blood” does not refer to classic politicians but to activists who have spent the last two years fighting for the hostages and an inquiry into October 7.
The suggested new figures were Eli Sharabi, Einav Zangauker, Eyal Eshel, Eyal Waldman, and Shay Yizhar.
Who are the new possible candidates for MK?
Sharabi was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri and held hostage by Hamas for 491 days. His wife and two daughters were murdered on October 7, and his brother Yossi Sharabi was taken hostage and later killed in Hamas captivity.
Since his release, Sharabi has been a powerful advocate for the release of the remaining hostages. He has spoken around the world, including to the UN Security Council, and continues to meet with world leaders to advocate for the return of the hostages.
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was released from Hamas captivity on October 13, 2025, has been one of the most prominent activists for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Zangauker has been vocal in her disapproval of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the hostages. She has spoken across Israel and around the world, fighting for all the hostages to be returned to Israel.
Eyal Eshel is the father of Roni Eshel, an IDF observer who was killed at Nahal Oz on October 7. He has been a prominent activist in the “October Council”, which he co-founded, to fight for an independent October 7 probe.
Eyal Waldman is the father of Hadas Waldman, who was killed at the Nova festival on October 7. He is a vocal critic of the government and has joined other bereaved families in calling for a state inquiry and new leadership.
Izhar Shay, former government minister for the Blue and White party, whose son was killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7, has been active in the “October Council,” demanding a state inquiry and accountability for the October 7 failures.
All five of these potential candidates to overthrow the coalition are ordinary people who, since October 7, have become vocal fighters for the return of the hostages and an investigation into the October 7 massacre.