Trooper Weighs Coalition Options Amidst Party Merger Talks

Hili Tropper, a former minister, is currently in discussions with Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashar!" party, and Naftali Bennett, head of the "Beitecha" party, regarding potential mergers. Tropper has not yet decided whether to run independently or join forces with one of these parties. If he merges, Tropper insists on securing reserved spots for his "Zionist Home" party colleagues, including Yoaz Hendel, Shira Shapira, and Elissafer Peretz.

Eisenkot's party might offer realistic positions for all of Tropper's associates but would not permit them to join as a separate faction. Bennett, conversely, is more amenable to a factional alliance, but current polls suggest his party may not have enough viable spots for all four.

Sources close to Tropper indicate that a final decision on merging or running independently will be made at the last minute, with party lists for the Knesset closing in approximately two days. Earlier in July, Tropper and Hendel launched their party, advocating for a "new something" focused on a group rather than individuals, free from past animosities and divisions, and promoting a new generation of leadership.

Tropper previously stated his belief that the next coalition should be formed exclusively by Zionist parties, excluding Benjamin Netanyahu due to his reliance on the ultra-Orthodox parties. However, he expressed openness to joining a unity government led by Eisenkot and Netanyahu.