Benny Gantz, Dedi Simchi, and Yoaz Hendel Advance Joint Election Deal Including Talik Goili

Negotiations are progressing between Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, Brigadier General (res.) Dedi Simchi, and former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel to form a joint list for the upcoming Israeli elections. A key figure targeted by this trio is Talik Goili, mother of Ran Goili, the last captive soldier returned from Gaza. Meanwhile, the Likud party has been pressing Goili to join its ranks as part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic recruitment efforts. Although no formal offer has been made, Goili has received multiple invitations to join Likud, including promises of high list placements and significant roles. She described these offers as flattering and said she will announce her decision soon.

The emerging agreement envisions a shared leadership between Gantz and Simchi, with their names appearing on the ballot, Gantz in the top spot. The draft arrangement allocates five Knesset candidate slots to each main party member, positioning Gantz first, Simchi second, and Hendel third. However, disagreements remain, particularly regarding the future coalition composition. Hendel opposes forming a government reliant on ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties, while Simchi advocates a more flexible approach but also rejects cooperation with Arab parties.