Amichai Segal Says Trooper-Handel Alliance Benefits Ex-IDF Chief Gantz

Political analyst Amichai Segal discussed the recent alliance between Hili Trooper and Yoaz Handel, assessing its potential impact on the upcoming Israeli election mandate map. Segal noted that unlike typical new parties in this bloc that tend to aid Netanyahu, Trooper has openly stated that Netanyahu should step down and that he will not support Netanyahu reaching 61 mandates. This stance indirectly benefits Benny Gantz, the former IDF Chief of Staff.

Segal highlighted that the "Yashar!" party would have welcomed Trooper, and Gantz would likely offer Trooper a high spot on his list and the education portfolio. Trooper is considered a sought-after candidate, courted by both Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid for months. However, Trooper declined to join a party that might rely on Arab party support. Politically, Trooper positions himself slightly to the right of Gantz and to the left of Gideon Sa’ar, with a wider gap from ministers Amir Ohana and Yariv Levin, who have yet to decide on their candidacies.

Segal expressed skepticism about the number of available votes for new parties within the bloc of disappointed Netanyahu supporters who are not left-wing. He pointed out that the third bloc’s mandate count is smaller than commonly assumed, while the number of competing parties is large, making it difficult for all to survive the electoral threshold. He suggested that more alliances might form before the election. Currently, Gantz and Smotrich are not passing the threshold, and ministers Ohana and Levin still need to decide whether to run.