Yoaz Hendel Forms New Political Alliance After Split

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the "Reservists" party, announced a merger with Professor Yaron Zelekha's "Economic Party" ahead of the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. This move comes just hours after Hendel's former political partner, Chili Tropper, announced his alliance with Gadi Eisenkot, who will be placed sixth on their joint list. Hendel will not be included on the new list formed by Tropper and Eisenkot.

Hendel expressed respect for Tropper's decision, stating, "Chili is a brother and a friend. I respect his decision to join the bloc. No matter what happens, we are good friends. This hurts me personally, but mainly on a national level." He explained that despite receiving offers for safer political positions, the "Reservists" party chose a more challenging path, believing it to be the right one for the Israeli people.

The merger with Zelekha aims to create a "third bloc" of political power independent of the existing major political factions. Hendel emphasized that their goal is a "Zionist government" and that politics is merely a means to achieve this. He highlighted two core issues for the new alliance: military conscription and the cost of living, stating that Zelekha intends to "break the monopolies" driving up prices, while the "Reservists" fight "political monopolies." The alliance's platform centers on universal military service and reducing the cost of living.

Hendel, who previously worked with Tropper under the "Zionist Home-Reservists" framework, is now seeking to establish an independent political entity. He stated the desire to focus elections on issues impacting daily life, such as "how many days a year a father or mother will be in reserve duty. Who will enlist in the army. How much the grocery cart will cost. How much will be left for the family at the end of the month." Hendel concluded by calling for a "Zionist government" without Haredi or Arab parties, urging voters to support the "Reservists and the Economic" parties to form a stable government.