Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot and MK Chili Tropper Agree to Joint Knesset Run

The "Yashar!" party, led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, and the "Dror Israel" party, headed by MK Chili Tropper, announced Sunday they will run together in the upcoming Knesset elections. Under the agreement, Tropper will be placed sixth on the "Yashar!" list. Three other members of Tropper's party, Shira Shapira, Elissafeh Peretz, and Shlomi Yahav, will also join the list. The merger aims to form a "Zionist and state-oriented government" and strengthen social cohesion in Israel.

The alliance with Eisenkot comes shortly after Tropper and Yoaz Hendel announced the dissolution of their joint "Dror Israel-Miluimnik" party. Following this split, both politicians pursued separate political alliances. Tropper joined forces with Eisenkot, while Hendel announced a partnership with Yaron Zelekha's party.

Shira Shapira, an architect and urban planner, is the mother of Aner Shapira, who died on October 7th while shielding others from grenades. Elissafeh Peretz is an educator and reservist, brother to two fallen soldiers and founder of the "Our Brothers" organization. Shlomi Yahav is a lieutenant colonel in the reserves and former national student union chairman.

Eisenkot welcomed the agreement, stating it strengthens the "value-based and quality team" they are building and offers a "Zionist, serving, and state-oriented alternative" to the current government. He emphasized their goal to unite forces, win the election, and form a broad, responsible government that will restore public trust.

Tropper expressed that these are "decisive days" requiring responsible decisions for Israel's good. He stated that "Dror Israel" will join the "straight path" led by Eisenkot, praising Eisenkot's "mental resilience and value backbone" during difficult times. Tropper concluded by calling for Israelis to "connect Israel inward again" and work together with love for the nation and land.