Former Ministers Trooper and Hendel Launch New Party Demanding Netanyahu’s Exit

Former ministers and Knesset members Hili Trooper and Yoaz Hendel officially launched their new political party, "Yesodot Yisrael" (Foundations of Israel), during a press conference on Tuesday evening. They announced a joint electoral run with the Reservists Party, aiming to form a broad Zionist coalition. The event featured the official joining of Shira Shapira, mother of fallen Israeli hero Enar Shapira, and Elisaf Peretz, an educator and son of Israel Prize laureate Miriam Peretz.

Trooper emphasized the need for a new political approach, rejecting past divisions and calling for leadership based on respect and straightforwardness. Hendel took a firm stance on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, stating unequivocally that Netanyahu "needs to finish his term." He justified this by citing a principle of responsibility, noting that all officials in office on October 7, the date of the recent conflict outbreak, must step down.

Hendel also criticized the ultra-Orthodox parties for their refusal to enlist during wartime, calling it heresy and insisting that anyone not serving in the military or national service should not have decision-making power, regardless of their background. He revealed internal agreements with Trooper to exert economic pressure on ultra-Orthodox leaders to exclude them from government decision-making, condemning their detachment from the realities of war.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trooper and Hendel announced their unified political force aimed at establishing a wide Zionist government, explicitly ruling out coalition participation with ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties. They plan to run on a single, stable list with Trooper likely leading. They continue to explore alliances with other political and public figures, including movements like "The Fourth Quarter" and "To the Flag." Despite earlier setbacks, they have not ruled out future cooperation with Benny Gantz and Dedi Simchi, provided differences over coalition composition, especially regarding ultra-Orthodox parties, can be resolved.