Yitzhak Wasserlauf

Positions and record

• Co-founded the Oz Ve'emuna hesder yeshiva in south Tel Aviv with Rabbi Ahiad Ettinger, integrating intensive Torah study with combat service in the IDF
• Entered the Knesset in November 2022 as its youngest member at age 30, publicizing his personal phone number in his maiden speech and keeping it open for citizens, especially evacuated families, throughout the war
• As Minister for the Negev and Galilee, has directed billions of shekels in development funding to outlying communities, including major post-Oct 7 rehabilitation of Gaza-envelope and northern-border towns, and frequently visits frontline areas in person (a Hezbollah missile landed meters from him during one such visit)
• Resigned with the rest of Otzma Yehudit's ministers in January 2025 over the Hamas hostage-ceasefire deal, and returned to the cabinet in March 2025 when fighting resumed
• Supports Jewish communities and continued building in Judea and Samaria
• Backs a firm Otzma Yehudit security line, including a robust IDF response in Gaza and the north, and full Israeli sovereignty in the Land of Israel