Gantz Rejects Hendel's Split Demand Amid Negotiations With Trooper in Israeli Center Bloc

Recent polls show a political alliance between Benny Gantz, Dedi Simchi, Yoaz Hendel, and the Reservists Party surpassing the electoral threshold, but negotiations have hit a snag. The main dispute centers on Hendel's demand to be allowed to split from the technical union immediately after the elections, a condition that Gantz and the Blue and White party currently refuse to accept. Gantz is willing to let Hendel maintain his party within the alliance, similar to Simchi’s arrangement, forming a technical union of three parties, but not to permit a post-election split.

Meanwhile, Hendel is also negotiating with Knesset member Hili Trooper, who is considering forming his own independent framework but has not made a final decision. Hendel aims to preserve the Reservists Party and create a technical union between his party and a potential Trooper party, with shared leadership. Trooper might also join an existing party such as Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar! instead of establishing a new one.

The struggle among center bloc parties seeking a national unity government to cross the electoral threshold is intensifying. Alongside Gantz, Simchi, Hendel, and Trooper, Gilad Erdan is contemplating forming a party, and reports indicate that reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter rejects alliances with existing parties like Bezalel Smotrich’s and plans to enter politics with a new framework. Analysts believe most of these figures will eventually join larger parties or unite to improve their chances of passing the threshold.

Trooper’s office stated he is meeting with people involved in rebuilding the country's leadership but declined to provide details. Hendel chose not to comment on the negotiations.