Trooper Joins Yisrael Beiteinu List at Sixth Spot

Hili Tropper has officially joined Gadi Eisenkot's "Yisrael Beiteinu" party list ahead of the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, securing the sixth position. Shira Shapira, a member of Tropper's "Bayit Tzioni" movement, will be placed tenth on the list. This agreement follows recent negotiations between Tropper's "Bayit Tzioni" and Eisenkot's "Yisrael Beiteinu."

Notably absent from the unified list is Yoaz Hendel, Tropper's long-time political partner. Hendel will need to reassess his political future. Tropper and Hendel had previously announced they would not continue together in a joint political framework, stating that despite their friendship and shared work, each had chosen a different political path.

The separation between Tropper and Hendel reportedly stemmed from negotiation gaps. Eisenkot opposed Hendel's inclusion on the list, while Hendel sought status as an independent faction, which would have allowed him to split from the list later. Other members of "Bayit Tzioni," besides Tropper and Shapira, are also expected to be included on the list, though not all in prominent positions. Elisaf Peretz, for example, is anticipated to receive a marginal spot.

The merger between the two parties may also bring ideological differences to the forefront. A key issue is the composition of the next government. Eisenkot has previously supported forming a government that relies on the abstention of Haredi and Arab parties, while Tropper has expressed opposition to such a model.