Israeli politician
Michel Buskila (Hebrew: מישל בוסקילה; born 20 April 1966)[1] is an Israeli politician currently serving as a member of the Knesset for the New Hope party since 2024, a role he previously held in 2022. He also served as a deputy mayor of Ashkelon.
Biography
Buskila was born in Ashkelon to David and Miriam. He worked as a barber,[2] and established several companies responsible for the management of properties, hotels, and commercial activities.[3][clarification needed]
Buskila, the former leader of the Likud in Ashkelon, served as a member of its city council from May 2009, when he replaced resigning member Haim Cohen, and 2022.[4][5] Buskila also served as a deputy Mayor,[6] and briefly ran for Mayor of Ashkelon in 2018,[7] but withdrew from the race and endorsed incumbent Itamar Shimoni.[8] In 2014, Buskila was elected to the Likud's secretariat.[9]
Ahead of the 2015 legislative election, Buskila ran in Likud primaries for the 22nd spot, reserved for residents of the Negev region,[10] but was defeated by Miki Zohar.[11] Ahead of the 2020 election, Buskila supported Gideon Saar's run for the leadership of the Likud.[12] Sa'ar was defeated by Netanyahu.[13]
In 2021, Buskila joined the newly-formed New Hope party led by Sa'ar, and was placed on the twelfth spot on its list ahead of the 2021 Israeli legislative election.[14] The party won six seats.[15] following the resignation of three of the party's legislators as part of the Norwegian Law,[16] Michal Shir's resignation from the Knesset to join Yesh Atid,[17] and the retirement of two other members of the New Hope list,[18] Buskila became a Member of the Knesset in August 2022.[19] Ahead of the 2022 election, Buskila was placed on the thirteenth spot on the National Unity Party's list.[20] He was not elected as the party won just twelve seats. Buskila re-entered the Knesset on 5 July 2024 following the resignation of Yifat Shasha-Biton.[21][1]
Personal life
Buskila is married to Tal and has a daughter called Liam.[22]
References