Talks between Yoaz Hendel and Benny Gantz's party have failed, according to reports. Hendel is now expected to run for Knesset alongside Tropper on a separate slate. The development follows the earlier collapse of unity talks between Gantz, Dedi Smakhi, and Hendel.
Yoaz Hendel will not join Benny Gantz's newly formed party and is expected to run for Knesset alongside Hili Tropper on a separate slate, according to reports published Sunday evening. The development comes after a series of failed unity talks between Gantz, Dedi Smakhi, and Hendel.
Just minutes earlier, at 12:16 Jerusalem time, political correspondent Amit Segal (N12) had reported that the three-way negotiations had collapsed. A prior report, also at 12:16 Jerusalem, by Shirit Avitan Cohen (Israel Hayom) attributed the breakdown to Hendel's demand for a commitment not to enter a narrow government with Haredi or Arab parties — a demand Gantz's team refused. That report also indicated Hendel would turn to other center-right figures, including Tropper. On June 23, Dafna Liel (N12) first reported that Gantz and Smakhi were planning a united party with Hendel joining; on June 25, Amit Segal (N12) reported a co-leadership structure with Hendel placed third.
The talks had been ongoing since June within the broader 'Unity Bloc', as The Zioneer reported. The reasons for the specific failure remain unconfirmed by the parties, and the details of the separate Hendel-Tropper slate have yet to be announced.
5 developments
- DevelopingGantz, Dedi Smakhi reportedly planning new united party — Yoaz Hendel may join leadership
- DevelopingAmit Segal reports Gantz-Smakhi party will have co-leadership, Hendel in 3rd spot
- DevelopingZelicha reportedly nearing electoral partnership with Gantz or Smakhi; Hendel option recedes
- DevelopingN12 poll shows Gantz-Smakhi-Hendel bloc adds momentum, clears threshold as coalition talks loom
Source and signal
- Internal intake