Uri Ariel

Uri Yehuda Ariel (, born 22 December 1952) is an Israeli politician who current serves as a member of the Knesset for the National Union.

Biography

Born in Afula, Ariel served in a combat unit called Palsar 7 in the Israel Defense Forces and retired as a major. He became involved in Israeli settlements, and served as secretary general of both the Amana settlement movement and the Yesha Council, as well as head of Beit El local council. He was also a member of the Jewish National Fund directorate.

For the 1999 Knesset elections he was placed seventh on the National Union list. Although he missed out when the party won only four seats, Ariel entered the Knesset on 17 October 2001 as a replacement for the assassinated Rehavam Ze'evi.

He was placed sixth on the alliance's list for the 2003 elections, and retained his seat when the party won seven mandates. Prior to the scheduled Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank in August 2005, Ariel moved to Kfar Darom in solidarity and firmly opposed the plan. Similarly, he also moved to Amona prior to the dismantling of the outpost.

Originally placed 5th on the National Union Knesset list for the 2006 elections, Ariel conceded his spot to Aryeh Eldad and was listed 6th. After the alliance agreed to run a joint list with the National Religious Party, Ariel was placed ninth,...
Read More