Hili Tropper Joins Benny Gantz's Party List in Sixth Position

Hili Tropper, chairman of the Zionist House party, will join the election list led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, taking the sixth spot. The agreement was finalized on Sunday, September 6, after Eisenkot extended an offer to Tropper. Several other members of the Zionist House party, including Shira Shapira, Elisaf Peretz, and Shlomi Yahyaav, will also join Eisenkot's list, with Shapira slated for tenth place. This union is described as a full merger, meaning Tropper and his associates cannot split from Eisenkot's faction after the elections. Under the terms of the agreement, if Eisenkot joins the government, Tropper will have the first choice of ministerial portfolios, despite his lower position on the list. Both leaders stated their intention to work together to form a "Zionist and state-responsible government," aiming to strengthen Israeli societal cohesion, unite different segments of the population, support those serving the country, and restore public trust. Eisenkot praised Tropper as a "principled and state-minded leader, a man of action and service," believing his addition will bolster their list as a "Zionist, country-serving, and state-responsible alternative to the government of October 7." Tropper expressed that these "decisive days" require responsible decisions for Israel's good and that the Zionist House will join Eisenkot's "straight path." He added, "Now is the time to reunite Israel from within. It is time to work hard in a spirit of partnership and friendship, day and night, with immense love for the people and the country. We are with you, Gadi!" Tropper's move came amidst competition from Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Bayahad bloc. While polls show a gap between the parties, neither Bennett nor Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, have automatically recognized Eisenkot as the leader of a potential "change bloc." Meanwhile, Yoaz Hendel, who previously co-led the Zionist House, Reservists list with Tropper, refused to join Eisenkot and instead agreed to run with Professor Yaron Zelicha and his Economic Party. Zelicha's party currently polls around 1% and is below the electoral threshold.