Benny Gantz Denies Reports of Failed Merger Talks with Yoaz Hendel

Negotiations between Yoaz Hendel and Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, regarding Hendel's potential joining ahead of the upcoming elections collapsed on Sunday without agreement. Hendel is now expected to partner with Knesset member Hili Tropper instead. In recent weeks, Hendel has been conducting parallel talks with both Gantz and Smotrich, as well as with Tropper. The option to join forces with Tropper appears to be the leading possibility for Hendel and his party, with plans to announce the partnership as early as next week.

Despite these developments, Benny Gantz denied the reports during the Israel Hayom conference, stating, "The talks with Hendel did not collapse, it did not happen, and they are still ongoing. We agreed that we will demand the passage of a conscription law before forming the government." This statement contradicts the narrative of a breakdown in negotiations and suggests continued dialogue between the parties. Meanwhile, in related political news, Eldad Yaniv is making a surprising return to public life.