Trooper to Run Sixth on Gantz's List; Handel and Zelicha Unite

Former minister Chili Tropper and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot have signed an agreement to run together in the upcoming elections. Under the deal, Tropper will be placed sixth on Eisenkot's "Yashar" party list, and would serve as a senior minister if the party forms a government. Tropper's associates will also be included on the list, with Shira Shapira, mother of fallen soldier Aner Shapira, securing the tenth spot. Shapira previously served as deputy director-general of the Heritage Ministry.

Elisafer Peretz is also slated to be on the list, potentially in the 20th or 21st position, considered a realistic outcome based on current polls. Eisenkot, who heads the party, will present the full election slate on Monday.

Meanwhile, former minister Yoaz Handel announced his party, "HaMiluimnikim" (Reservists), is merging with economist Yaron Zelicha's Economic Party. This union comes after Zelicha had previously rejected a merger with Handel, citing Handel's alleged disregard for his Haredi brothers and his lack of understanding regarding the cost of living. Zelicha also criticized Handel's tenure as Communications Minister.

Handel's decision to unite with Zelicha reportedly followed Tropper's departure from their joint venture. The previous joint list of Handel and Tropper garnered only 2.6% in a recent poll, falling short of the electoral threshold.

Sources indicate Eisenkot refused to merge with Handel due to concerns Handel might later leave the unified list, with Eisenkot reportedly stating he did not trust him. Handel, for his part, insisted on an independent faction during negotiations, which would have allowed him to split from the unified list in the future.