Yoaz Hendel Ends Talks with Benny Gantz, Plans New Political Alliance with Hili Tropper

A political rift has emerged in Israel's center-right as Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists' Party, officially ended intensive negotiations with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz and party member Danny Smotrich regarding a joint electoral list for the upcoming elections. The talks concluded on Sunday without agreement, primarily due to fundamental differences over the inclusion of ultra-Orthodox parties in a future coalition government.

Hendel has taken a firm stance against joining any government that includes ultra-Orthodox parties, while Gantz and Smotrich expressed a more nuanced position. They are unwilling to form a government fully reliant on Shas and United Torah Judaism but have not completely ruled out sitting with them in a coalition. This ideological divide led to the breakdown of their discussions.

Following the collapse of talks with Blue and White, Hendel is now expected to partner with Knesset member Hili Tropper. Reports indicate that Hendel and Tropper are moving quickly to announce their new political partnership, potentially as soon as next week. In recent weeks, Hendel had been negotiating on two fronts: one with Gantz and Smotrich, and another with Tropper, with the latter now becoming his primary alliance option.

This development marks a significant reshuffling within the center-right political landscape ahead of the elections, highlighting the challenges of coalition-building amid divergent views on the role of ultra-Orthodox parties in government.