The Reservists party, led by former communications minister Yoaz Hendel, published the results of its primary on Wednesday for its Knesset slate. The party is still polling below the electoral threshold, but it is continuing talks on possible mergers ahead of the upcoming election.
In recent weeks, Hendel has held discussions with Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz, with former minister Chili Tropper, who recently left Gantz’s party, and with Dadi Shmichi, who says he plans to enter politics but has not joined any party. People familiar with the talks said the coming weeks will be the most important period for possible alliances, and that deals could come together soon. They also warned that one merger may not be enough, and another could still be needed before the slate filing deadline if the party runs independently to the end.
The party said Hendel was again chosen to lead in the June 8 primary, and that the list includes bereaved families, wounded soldiers, reservists and social activists who led the campaign against draft evasion over the past two years. Hendel said those who led Israel when, in his words, “the state disappeared” should also lead in politics. He added that the party held a primary “against the mood in the rest of the political system” to reflect the decision of thousands of activists and members. He said the goal is “a Zionist government without ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, a conscription law and a decision on the battlefield.”
The party also detailed the six candidates chosen. First was Yoav Adomi, 45, a reserve major who has served about 550 days since October 7 and co-founded the movement that became the party. Second was Roy Frank, 37, a reserve platoon commander who served 440 days and was wounded in Gaza. Third was Lt. Col. (res.) Erez Ben Ezra, 56, a planning officer with 400 reserve days. Fourth was Tehila Peretz, 39, who has served about 700 days as a casualty officer. Fifth was Shlomi Damari, 35, who served about 500 days after losing his brother Dan in the Nova massacre aftermath. Sixth was Amalia Kinan, 43, head of a local emergency team in Yonatan in the Golan Heights and a senior manager in supply chain and operations.
