Hendel Signals Netanyahu on Government Formation, Rejects Extremes

Yoaz Hendel, a politician and reservist soldier, has outlined his conditions for joining a future government, emphasizing a need for cooperation among "Zionist parties" and rejecting alliances with either ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. Speaking in an interview, Hendel stated that if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and Naftali Bennett were to serve together, he would "clearly be a part" of such a government. He expressed concern that the current political divisions could lead to another round of elections.

Hendel, who has served 600 days in reserve duty, drew a parallel between the security failures leading up to the October 7th attacks and the current state of the military, arguing that the army is still too small to meet its challenges without extensive reserve mobilization. He described the "terrible sights" he witnessed in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas massacre, stating, "I didn't need Avi Gil to tell me... the feeling was that there was no country and no government." He also criticized Netanyahu's responsibility for the failures, stating he has responsibility for October 7th "just as he has responsibility for good things that have happened since."

In a direct appeal, Hendel urged Ofer Winter, a prominent figure, to reconsider his alignment with Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties. Hendel proposed that he and Winter form a bloc committed to joining only a "Zionist government," acting as a "blocking force" against non-Zionist coalitions. He argued that partnering with ultra-Orthodox parties encourages draft evasion and harms national security, while alliances with Arab parties that do not condemn Hamas are untenable.

Hendel also criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, calling him a "failed" minister whose tenure has led to a severe lack of governance, particularly in the Negev and Galilee. He stated that voters should not cast their ballots for Ben-Gvir. The "Otzma Yehudit" party responded by attacking Hendel, contrasting his alleged party-hopping with Ben-Gvir's actions in establishing the National Guard, reforming prisons, and arming citizens.