Yoaz Hendel Charts Independent Right-Wing Path, Rejects Netanyahu Loyalty

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists and Economics Party, is defining himself and his party as right-wing, but insists this does not necessitate loyalty to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hendel stated in an interview that being right-wing means serving in the army, defending the homeland, supporting a free economy, and fostering competition, not blind allegiance to a single leader.

Hendel is setting mandatory military service for all, including the ultra-Orthodox, as a condition for any future government. He explicitly stated that the ultra-Orthodox parties should remain outside the coalition, arguing that "when you sit with Netanyahu and the Haredim, there will be no conscription." He also opposes a government reliant on Arab parties, positioning his party in the "space between the blocs."

He believes his party can disrupt the current political landscape, drawing support from both coalition and opposition voters. Hendel predicts his party will be "the surprise of the elections," fueled by protest votes from those disillusioned by the ongoing war and the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. He asserts that institutions encouraging draft evasion should not receive state funding, and individuals who do not perform military or national service should be ineligible for government positions.

Hendel links the conscription issue directly to his security outlook, emphasizing the need for sufficient manpower to hold strategic areas. He criticized Netanyahu, holding him responsible for the October 7th failures while acknowledging some post-war successes. However, he argued that without enough soldiers, holding territory becomes impossible, a lesson he believes was reinforced by the recent war.

Beyond security, Hendel champions settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria and the "farm project" initiative, viewing them as integral to Israel's security. He also advocates for a broader settlement movement, including agricultural farms in the Negev and new communities in the Jordan Valley, aiming to relocate populations from the center of the country. He sees this as a national project where reservists play a central role.

Hendel aims to leverage the "mandates between the blocs" to form coalitions previously impossible, stating, "Once we exist, a Zionist government can be formed. This already changes the balance." He also expressed reservations about potential coalition partners like Yair Golan due to significant policy differences on settlements and a Palestinian state.