Israeli Lawmaker Hili Troper Rules Out Palestinian State, Backs Settlements

In a recent "home circle" meeting in Jerusalem, Israeli lawmaker Hili Troper, a recent addition to Benny Gantz's National Unity party, outlined his positions on key issues less than a month before elections. Troper stated he does not foresee a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the near future, emphasizing that promising "miracles" is more dangerous than acknowledging a "depressing reality." He firmly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, citing the lessons learned from the 2005 Gaza disengagement and the October 7th attacks, which demonstrated the danger of creating security vacuums.

Troper expressed support for strengthening Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria on state land, provided it aligns with security needs. He also highlighted the importance of regional alliances and expanding the Abraham Accords. Regarding the conscription law, Troper described the exemption of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community from military service as a "value wound" that undermines social solidarity. He criticized the disparity between reservists serving hundreds of days annually and those who evade service, advocating for a "service for all" model, with tailored options for the Haredi sector and differentiated rewards for combat soldiers, while insisting on the principle of universal service.

Politically, Troper reiterated the demand for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures, stating that any senior leadership figure, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held a position of responsibility that day is unfit to continue in their role and must take responsibility. However, he did not rule out coalition parties joining a future government, provided they adhere to his party's core principles. Troper also shared his experiences in the War Cabinet, noting that intelligence revealed how Israel's enemies, including Yahya Sinwar and Hassan Nasrallah, closely monitored internal Israeli divisions prior to October 7th, interpreting them as social disintegration and an opportunity for destruction.

He warned that the "price of internal division is existential danger," stressing that his political motivation is to preserve cohesion and shared responsibility. Troper distinguished between the "upper Israel" of leadership and systems that failed on October 7th, and the "lower Israel" of citizens, soldiers, and volunteers who demonstrated exceptional mutual responsibility and heroism.