Trooper Joins Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" Party Ahead of Elections

Former minister Chili Tropper has agreed to join Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party, running together in the upcoming elections. Under the agreement, Tropper will be placed sixth on the "Yashar!" list, with Shira Shapira taking the tenth spot. Also joining the list are Elissaf Peretz and Shlomi Yehiav.

The joint announcement stated the merger aims to establish a "Zionist and state-level government," strengthen social cohesion in Israel, and advocate for military reservists. Shapira, an architect and urban planner, is the mother of Aner Shapira, who was killed in action, and has held senior public service positions. Peretz is an educator and reservist combat soldier, brother to fallen officers Uriel and Eliraz Peretz, and founder of the "Our Brothers" organization. Yehiav is a former national student union chairman and a reservist commander.

Eisenkot welcomed Tropper, calling him a "value-driven and state-minded leader" and a partner in belief in responsibility, national unity, and deep commitment to Israel. He stated that the additions of Tropper, Shapira, Peretz, and Yehiav strengthen the list, which aims to "win the elections, replace the government, and establish a broad, responsible, and unifying government that will restore public trust and return Israel to the right path."

Tropper explained his decision was based on the "good of the country," stating that his "National Zionist" party would join Eisenkot's "straight path." He added, "Now is the time to reconnect Israel internally. Now is the time to work hard in partnership and friendship, from morning till night, and out of great love for the people and the land. After you, Gadi!"

This move follows Tropper and Yoaz Hendel's earlier announcement of parting ways politically, weeks after co-founding the "National Zionist-Reservists" party. Tropper sought alignment with Eisenkot, while Hendel is expected to remain outside the electoral race. Tropper and Hendel emphasized that their friendship and ideological partnership continue despite their political divergence, explaining they founded their party to form the broadest possible Zionist government but faced a "complex political reality" leading to individual decisions. Hendel later released a video stating they are not giving up, acknowledging the difficult path, and asserting that "politics is a means, not an end. The goal is a Zionist government," despite receiving "comfortable offers that promise a seat."