Israeli Politics Heats Up as Parties Vie for Key Figure Ahead of Deadline

With party lists due to be finalized in two days, a significant political battle is unfolding within the "change bloc" in Israeli politics, primarily between Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, over the potential inclusion of Chili Tropper. Sources indicate a growing closeness between Tropper and Eisenkot, with the prevailing assessment in the change bloc being that if Tropper decides to join forces, it will be with Eisenkot. Tropper's priority is to secure realistic positions for his faction members, including Shira Shapira and Elissafer Peretz, should he align with Eisenkot. This potential move would leave Yoaz Hendel, who previously joined Tropper after leaving the Blue and White party, outside of the arrangement, with his future political path uncertain. Hendel has also held separate discussions with Benny Gantz.

If an agreement is reached, it will not be a technical bloc merger, meaning Tropper would be unable to split his faction after the elections. Elissafer Peretz, a member of Tropper's faction, is reportedly deliberating whether to join Eisenkot's party, having previously stated he would not serve in a government with non-Zionist parties like Ra'am or support a government formed by abstention from Ra'am, even with a narrow majority. This stance contrasts with Eisenkot's expressed willingness to form a government with such support if a majority cannot be otherwise achieved.

Tropper and Hendel issued a joint statement emphasizing their long-standing friendship and shared commitment to public service, stating that despite political differences, "there is no bad blood." The intense competition for Tropper is seen not only as a bid for electoral strength but also as a potential indicator of who will lead the change bloc and whether the leadership contest between Eisenkot and Bennett will be reignited. Despite Eisenkot's lead in polls, both the "Beiteinu" party and Lieberman have yet to fully embrace his leadership. The likelihood of Tropper joining Eisenkot is bolstered by the greater possibility of securing realistic placements for his associates within Eisenkot's party. While Tropper is also considering running independently, potentially with Gantz or Ayelet Shaked, this scenario is considered less probable.