Trooper Joins Gantz's Party List Ahead of Elections

Hili Tropper has officially joined Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party list for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, signing an agreement that places him in the sixth position. Shira Shapira, a member of "Beit Tzioni," will be placed tenth.

The agreement follows recent negotiations between Tropper's "Beit Tzioni" party and Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party. Notably absent from the unified list is Yoaz Hendel, Tropper's political partner, who will now need to consider his future political path. Tropper and Hendel had previously announced they would not continue together in a joint political framework, citing personal decisions amidst a complex political reality despite their long-standing friendship and collaboration.

The separation between Tropper and Hendel reportedly stemmed from negotiation gaps. Eisenkot opposed Hendel's inclusion on the list, while Hendel sought the status of an independent faction, which would have allowed him to split from the list later. Other members of "Beit Tzioni," besides Tropper and Shapira who secured realistic spots, are also expected to be included, though not all in prominent positions. Elisaf Peretz, for instance, is expected to receive a marginal spot.

The merger between the two parties may also highlight ideological differences. A key issue is the composition of the next government. Eisenkot has previously supported forming a government that relies on the abstention of both Haredi and Arab parties, while Tropper has expressed opposition to such a model.