Hili Trooper and Yoaz Hendel Unite to Form Broad Zionist Party Excluding Arab Factions

On July 8, 2026, Israeli politicians Hili Trooper and Yoaz Hendel announced their joint run in the upcoming elections, aiming to establish a broad Zionist government uniting various political blocs. Their coalition explicitly excludes Arab parties, which they consider a red line, while emphasizing their commitment to preventing another election cycle. Trooper will lead the list, but leadership and power will be shared equally under a "research" structure. The new list also welcomed Shira Shapira, mother of the late Enar Shapira, and Eliassaf Peretz, son of Miriam Peretz and a bereaved brother who lost two siblings, to strengthen the so-called "right that does not boycott Netanyahu" bloc positioned in the political center.

Trooper stated firmly that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must step down and that he will not assist Netanyahu in securing 61 mandates. This stance persists despite persistent overtures from Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Gadi Eizenkot, who offered Trooper the education portfolio and a high spot on their list. Trooper declined, doubting Eizenkot would avoid relying on Arab party support if necessary. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz of Blue and White appears willing to risk losing votes to pursue his agenda fully, contrasting Trooper and Hendel's more cautious approach.

Currently, Trooper and Hendel's party is polling below the electoral threshold. They agreed to withdraw responsibly if it appears their participation would waste votes from the center-right camp. This decision contrasts with Gantz's approach, who is reportedly prepared to "go all the way" despite potential vote losses. The so-called "third bloc," including Trooper and Hendel's party and the alliance of Gantz and Dedi Simchi, now awaits decisions from Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein regarding their political futures.

Summary: Hili Trooper and Yoaz Hendel have united to run jointly in Israel's upcoming elections, aiming to form a broad Zionist government excluding Arab parties. They reject Netanyahu's leadership and will withdraw if failing to pass the electoral threshold, while awaiting further moves from other centrist politicians.