Retired Brigadier General Dedi Simchi Nears Political Alliance with Benny Gantz

Retired Brigadier General Dedi Simchi, former Fire and Rescue Commissioner, is close to forming a political alliance with Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party. In a radio interview on Kol Barama, Simchi revealed that negotiations are in their final stages and an official agreement is imminent. "Gantz and I are in final-stage talks," Simchi stated.

Simchi also expressed a relatively conciliatory political stance, contrasting with the boycotts led by some opposition leaders in recent years. When asked about potential cooperation with Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of Otzma Yehudit, Simchi firmly said, "I do not boycott Ben-Gvir," emphasizing his approach to coalition-building based on fundamental principles rather than exclusions.

Regarding the possible inclusion of former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel in the same political bloc, Simchi identified the main obstacle as Hendel's reluctance to sit jointly with ultra-Orthodox parties. When asked if Hendel's agreement to meet with the ultra-Orthodox would immediately finalize the alliance, Simchi confidently replied, "I think so." This development comes amid coalition concerns that Prime Minister Netanyahu might be replaced before upcoming elections.