Hili Trouper Weighs Four Paths Before Knesset List Deadline

With the deadline for submitting Knesset lists approaching, Israeli politician Hili Trouper is in critical consultations to decide his political future, facing four distinct options. The most immediate choices involve either continuing with his current partner Yoaz Hendel in an independent run, aiming to surpass the electoral threshold, or joining forces with Gadi Eisenkot. Trouper reportedly prefers a joint run with Eisenkot that includes his associates, not just a personal move.

Two other possibilities involve aligning with Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman. However, these options are complicated by limited space on their respective lists, especially given existing alliances like the one between Bennett and Yair Lapid, and Lieberman's difficulty in accommodating Trouper's demand for a package deal including three individuals. Consequently, the most viable options currently appear to be a partnership with Eisenkot or a determined independent campaign.

Trouper has previously stated he would not join a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, citing his opposition to a coalition reliant on non-Zionist parties. He declared in July that he would not be part of a government that includes such factions and that any leader in power during the October 7th attacks should step down. Hendel, while also expressing reservations about a coalition dependent on non-Zionist votes, indicated a willingness to join a broad unity government that might include Netanyahu alongside figures like Eisenkot, Bennett, and Lieberman.

The coming days are expected to intensify the pressure on Trouper as he must decide whether to risk an independent bid or secure a place in the next Knesset through a new political alliance.