Negotiations Collapse Between Yoaz Hendel and Benny Gantz Over Public Pledge on Ultra-Orthodox Parties

Negotiations between Yoaz Hendel of the Miluim party and Benny Gantz of Blue and White, along with Dedi Simchi, have broken down despite polls indicating their alliance could pass the electoral threshold. A source familiar with the talks revealed that the talks ended due to Simchi and Gantz's refusal to publicly declare they would not sit with ultra-Orthodox parties, a demand made by Hendel. The main point of contention had been Hendel's request to split from the technical alliance immediately after the elections, a condition Blue and White found difficult to accept.

Political insiders noted the breakdown was not surprising and that Hendel has recently grown closer to MK Hili Tropper, who left Gantz following Blue and White's poor polling. There is speculation they might unite and possibly join Gadi Eizenkot's Yashar party. Concurrently, Hendel is also in talks with MKs Yuli Edelstein and Ayelet Shaked, with whom he previously intended to run but did not finalize an agreement.

As the election date approaches and the Knesset remains undissolved, smaller parties continue to maneuver to avoid wasting votes by failing to cross the threshold. This dynamic is expected to intensify, with many players uncertain about their final electoral strategies.

On the right-wing bloc, Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eizenkot have stated they will eventually work to consolidate the bloc, securing reserved spots or encouraging candidates who risk splitting votes to step down. Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to take similar steps after concluding Likud primaries in August, especially concerning candidates like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have run together so far.

Other right-wing figures such as Ofer Winter have announced plans to run with a new right-wing party, while former MK Moshe Feiglin is reviving his independent campaign and exploring alliances, including with former MK Michael Ben-Ari. Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, cleared of a criminal investigation, has yet to decide on his political future but is considering joining an established party with proven polling strength, possibly aligning with Eizenkot or Gantz. He may also delay running for another four years.