Trooper to Run With Yisrael Beiteinu, Handels Out

Chili Trooper, chairman of the "Zionist Home" party, is expected to run in the upcoming elections on a joint slate with Gadi Eisenkot's "Yisrael!" party. Under the emerging agreement, Trooper is slated to be the senior minister in the unified list. His political partner, Yoaz Hendel, will not be included in this alliance and must now explore other options.

Both Trooper and Hendel issued a joint statement acknowledging their decision to part ways politically. The statement highlighted their long-standing friendship and their recent joint effort in establishing "Zionist Home-Reservists," aimed at forming a broad Zionist government. While expressing satisfaction with the party's growth, they stated that the complex political reality led each to make a personal decision to continue serving the country in their respective capacities.

Disagreements between the parties surfaced during behind-the-scenes negotiations. Eisenkot reportedly strongly opposed Hendel's inclusion, fearing he might later leave the joint list. Hendel, conversely, sought an independent faction that would allow him to split from the list later.

These developments diminish the likelihood of an alliance between Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked is expected to decide today whether to join a joint run by Benny Gantz and Hendel.

Regarding other members of "Zionist Home," Shira Shapira is expected to receive a realistic spot on the unified list, while Elissef Peretz's position is considered borderline. Despite the agreement to run together, ideological differences between Trooper and Eisenkot are anticipated, particularly concerning the composition of a future coalition. Eisenkot has previously proposed a government excluding Haredi and Arab parties, a plan Trooper has opposed.