Hendel Urges Winter to Form Bloc Against Non-Zionist Governments

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists and Economic Party, has called on Ofer Winter to reconsider his stated commitment to a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties. Hendel proposed a joint political move, suggesting they sign a surplus agreement and pledge to join only a "Zionist" government. Hendel described this initiative as an attempt to create a blocking bloc that would prevent the formation of governments relying on non-Zionist elements.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Hendel addressed the current security and political climate, noting that Wednesday marked three years since the most devastating disaster in Israel's history. He emphasized that the subsequent war had been the most difficult and had profoundly changed Israeli society, making it unacceptable for politics to continue as usual.

Hendel argued that the political system forces the public to choose between a government with ultra-Orthodox parties, which he claims promote draft evasion and harm security, and a government dependent on Arab parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.

In his direct appeal to Winter, Hendel asserted that victory on the battlefield and success on the front lines are impossible with the ultra-Orthodox parties, highlighting the critical need for more soldiers in the IDF. He stated that with these parties, a universal draft law has no chance of passing, and stressed that reservists are the natural partners. Hendel urged Winter to abandon his current stance and join them to achieve battlefield victory and prevent a coalition with ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties.