Negotiations Stall Over Yoaz Hendel's Demand to Split from Blue and White Alliance

Recent polls indicate that a political alliance between Benny Gantz, Dedi Simchi, Yoaz Hendel, and the Reservists Party could surpass the electoral threshold, potentially securing 5 to 6 Knesset seats. However, negotiations have encountered difficulties, primarily due to Hendel's demand to retain the option to split from the technical alliance immediately after the elections. Blue and White, led by Gantz, currently refuses to accept this condition.

Sources told ynet that Gantz is willing to allow Hendel and Simchi to maintain their individual parties within the alliance, effectively creating a technical union of three parties. Nonetheless, Blue and White opposes pre-approving Hendel's post-election independence. Concurrently, Hendel is negotiating with Knesset member Hili Tropper, who is considering forming his own independent faction but has not yet decided. Hendel seeks a joint leadership and a technical alliance between his party and a potential Tropper party.

The political landscape remains fluid, with Tropper possibly joining an existing party such as Gadi Eizenkot's Yashar! instead of establishing a new framework. Other centrist figures, including Gilad Erdan and reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter, are also contemplating forming new parties or alliances. Winter has ruled out joining existing parties like Bezalel Smotrich's. Analysts believe these smaller parties will likely merge with larger ones or unite among themselves to surpass the electoral threshold.

Tropper's office confirmed ongoing meetings with individuals involved in reshaping the country's leadership but declined to provide details. Hendel chose not to comment on the negotiations.