Trooper to Join Gantz's National Unity Party, Hendel Left Out

Member of Knesset Chili Tropper is expected to join Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar" party and run with him on an independent slate in the upcoming elections. According to a report by Amit Segal, Tropper will be the most senior figure on the unified "Yashar" and "HaBayit HaTzioni" list. Under the emerging agreement, Shira Shapira is slated for a realistic spot, while Elissafer Peretz will receive a borderline position. However, Yoaz Hendel, who recently established "HaBayit HaTzioni, HaMeyuladanim" with Tropper, is not included in the deal and will need to seek another political alliance for the elections.

This move effectively signals the dissolution of the nascent political partnership between Tropper and Hendel, although both emphasize that their personal relationship and ideological closeness remain intact. In a joint statement, Tropper and Hendel addressed the political separation but avoided details about the emerging agreement with Eisenkot or Hendel's future path. They described their bond as "true friendship" spanning over 20 years, including being neighbors, praying together, and serving in reserve duty. "We both chose to try and serve the public through the political arena," they stated, "sometimes together and sometimes separately, but from a very similar ideological perspective."

They explained that "HaBayit HaTzioni, HaMeyuladanim" was formed to establish a broad, Zionist government and received a positive response. However, given the complex political reality, each made a personal decision about their future. Tropper and Hendel affirmed their commitment to continued public service, each in their chosen framework, and stressed that their ideological partnership remains, with the belief they will collaborate again publicly. "Even those who search very hard will not find remnants of bad blood," they said. "The friendship began before the political journey and will continue long after."

If Tropper's union with Eisenkot is finalized, Hendel will be left without an existing framework for the elections and will need to form a separate list or reach agreements with another party. At this stage, no information has been released regarding his current negotiations or his next political affiliation.