Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha Unite Political Forces After Split

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists Party, and Yaron Zelekha, chairman of the Economic Party, announced on Sunday that they will unite and run together in the upcoming elections. This comes shortly after Hili Tropper and Gadi Eisenkot announced Tropper's joining of the "Yashar" party, ending the previous partnership between Hendel and Tropper.

Hendel expressed personal sadness over the split with Tropper, stating, "Hili is a brother and a friend. I respect his decision to join the bloc. It hurts me personally, but mainly on a national level." He revealed that his party had received "comfortable offers that guarantee us a seat" but chose to continue pursuing an alternative within the "third bloc."

The alliance between Hendel and Zelekha will focus on two main issues: universal conscription and combating the high cost of living. Hendel stated that while he brings the fight for universal conscription, Zelekha contributes "years of economic experience, knowledge, and a clear plan" to address the cost of living.

Hendel declared that the joint list's objective is to establish a government without the Haredi and Arab parties. "We need to establish a Zionist government, without Haredi and Arab parties," he said. "If you want to end these elections with a stable Zionist government, you need reservists and the Economic Party in the Knesset."