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

On July 7, 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, but they emphasize preventing another election cycle. Trooper will head the list, with shared leadership and equal power distribution under a "research" structure.

The new list has attracted Shira Shapira, mother of the late Enar Shapira, and Eliassaf Peretz, son of Miriam Peretz and a bereaved brother who lost two siblings. Their inclusion aims to strengthen the so-called "right that does not boycott Netanyahu" bloc, positioned in the political center-right.

Trooper stated privately that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must step down and that he will not assist Netanyahu in securing 61 Knesset seats. This stance persists despite persistent overtures from Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Gadi Eizenkot, who offered Trooper the education portfolio and a high list position. Trooper declined, doubting Eizenkot would avoid relying on Arab party support if necessary.

Currently, Trooper and Hendel's party polls below the electoral threshold. Consequently, they agreed to responsibly withdraw if it appears their participation would waste center-right votes. This contrasts with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, who reportedly is willing to risk losing votes to continue his political path. The "third bloc," including Trooper-Hendel's party and Gantz-Dedi Simchi's alliance, now awaits decisions from Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein regarding their political futures.