Dispute Over Ultra-Orthodox Alliances Threatens Unity Talks Between Gantz, Smotrich, and Hendel

Negotiations to form a political alliance between Benny Gantz, Bezalel Smotrich, and Yoaz Hendel are on the verge of collapse due to a fundamental disagreement over reliance on ultra-Orthodox parties. Hendel demands a clear commitment that the alliance will not depend on ultra-Orthodox factions in any future coalition, a condition Gantz and Smotrich reject, preferring to maintain political flexibility.

Despite proposals from Gantz and Smotrich for joint leadership and allowing Hendel to keep his independent party framework, the ideological gap remains too wide. Hendel insists on entering the alliance with his "Reservists" party to preserve autonomy and avoid fragmentation thresholds in the Knesset, which complicates the alliance’s structure and could lead to internal conflicts during and after the campaign.

Given these tensions, Hendel is now considering active negotiations with former Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein. Such a partnership could form a right-wing, nationalist list that does not rely on ultra-Orthodox parties, combining Edelstein’s governmental experience with Hendel’s grassroots support.

Maharon Shveiv, Hendel’s negotiation manager, stated that discussions are ongoing with various parties to create an effective political force capable of influencing government formation. Hendel is currently on reserve duty, and no final decisions have been made. The alliance’s immediate challenge remains passing the electoral threshold for the 2026 elections.

This dispute highlights the difficulties in uniting right-wing and centrist factions ahead of the upcoming elections, with ideological divisions over coalition strategies and party autonomy at the forefront.