Hili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel's Reservists Party finalized a joint run this morning, forming a united political bloc aimed at building a broad Zionist coalition government. The agreement is the first step toward creating a significant new centrist-right political force, according to the parties.
Hili Tropper and the Reservists Party, led by Yoaz Hendel, finalized their joint political run this morning (Tuesday), according to a statement issued by the parties. The official confirmation follows a report by Bini Ashkenazi (Israel Hayom) on Monday at 11:51 Jerusalem that the two camps were expected to announce a joint run that evening, and an earlier report by the same journalist on the same day at that time, which first revealed the expected merger between Tropper and Hendel.
The merger formalizes a partnership that had been speculated upon for weeks. The new force is expected to position itself as a Zionist, centrist-right alternative, seeking to attract voters from the current coalition and the opposition. Further details on the slate's name, list composition, and platform are expected in the coming days.
The development comes amid a broader realignment in the political center in recent weeks. As The Zioneer reported on June 23, Benny Gantz and Dedi Smakhi are planning a new united party, with Yoaz Hendel close to joining and expected to be part of its leadership. On June 25, Amit Segal (N12) reported that the Gantz-Smakhi party would have co-leadership with Hendel in third spot. The new Tropper-Hendel bloc increases the number of viable center-right options ahead of the next election cycle.
It remains unclear how the new Tropper-Hendel slate will coordinate with or compete against the previously reported Gantz-Smakhi alliance, and whether Hendel will now run on the Tropper ticket or still be placed third on a Gantz-Smakhi list. No on-record confirmation from Hendel or Tropper beyond the joint statement has been published.
3 developments
- DevelopingYoaz Hendel wins primary to retain chairmanship of Reservists Party
- DevelopingGantz, Dedi Smakhi reportedly planning new united party — Yoaz Hendel may join leadership
- DevelopingReservists Party publishes full primary list results
- StrongLikud reservists demand Yoaz Hendel change 'Reservists Party' name
Source and signal
- Internal intake