Yoaz Hendel Returns From Reserves to Launch New Political Party With Hili Tropper

Yoaz Hendel, who has served 564 days in military reserves since October 7, recently left his uniform to co-found a new political party with close friend Hili Tropper. Their goal is to surpass the electoral threshold amid a crowded field of parties challenging Israel's two main political blocs. Hendel, interviewed by Daphna Liel, emphasized his commitment to forming a Zionist government and criticized existing political leadership for failing to address national security and social divides.

Hendel recounted his harrowing experiences during the war, including the near-fatal injury of a close friend, and described the profound impact of realizing Israel faced an existential threat. He expressed frustration with political figures like Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Gadi Eizenkot, accusing them of prioritizing power over principles and warning they might rely on non-Zionist parties to form coalitions. Hendel declared himself the "martyr" of the political system, determined to represent right-wing voters disillusioned with current options.

Rejecting alliances with established parties, Hendel insists his new party offers a fresh leadership generation rooted in those who fought on October 7. He criticized Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for supporting draft evasion and weakening the military, calling that period "dark times." Hendel also ruled out cooperation with the Joint List and reaffirmed his refusal to join a government dependent on ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties.

Regarding Benjamin Netanyahu, Hendel stated clearly that Netanyahu must leave office, holding him responsible for the October 7 failures, and vowed never to support a coalition that grants him a parliamentary majority. Yet he left open the possibility that the next prime minister should be the leader who can secure the most Zionist mandates. Hendel dismissed previous talks with Bennett and Eizenkot as offers he did not pursue, emphasizing his focus on principles over political convenience.

Hendel's new party aims to unite right-wing and centrist voters who feel unrepresented, with a platform centered on national unity, military service, and combating political corruption. He pledged to fight for a government that enacts a draft law and a state commission of inquiry, led by a new generation of leaders shaped by recent combat experience. Hendel acknowledged the risks of running a small party but vowed to "fight with a knife between my teeth" to ensure success and prevent wasted votes.