Israeli Lawmaker Calls for Unity Against Haredi, Arab Parties

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists and Economy Party, has urged Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Ech Israel Party, to retract his statement supporting a government led by Netanyahu with Haredi parties. Hendel proposed that both parties sign a surplus agreement for upcoming elections and pledge to join only a "Zionist" government, excluding Haredi or Arab parties, thereby forming a "blocking bloc against non-Zionist governments."

Hendel argued that the October 7th attack and the subsequent war necessitate a departure from pre-war political norms. He stated that the public is currently forced to choose between a government dependent on Haredi parties or one relying on Arab parties, asserting that cooperation between "Zionist forces" is the true solution.

In a direct appeal to Winter, Hendel said, "Retract your statement that you are only with Netanyahu and the Haredi parties." He added that Israel needs more soldiers and that "with Goldknopf, with whom you declared you would sit, there is no chance for conscription for all."

According to sources close to Hendel, this is not his first attempt to engage Winter on this matter, with previous, less public efforts also unsuccessful. The appeal comes amid efforts by centrist and right-wing Zionist parties to form alliances and surplus agreements for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, and in light of Winter's prior declaration regarding the composition of a government he would join.