MK Hili Tropper Prefers Coalition with Left Over Ultra-Orthodox Parties

In an interview with the Israeli news site Srugim, MK Hili Tropper, head of the Beit Tzioni list and identified with the center-right, addressed key political issues including coalition formation and the contentious topic of ultra-Orthodox military conscription. When asked whether he would prefer to join a coalition with the ultra-Orthodox party Shas led by Aryeh Deri or with the left-wing Democratic Party headed by Yair Golan, Tropper responded that while Deri boasts about his draft-dodging grandchildren, Golan is willing to serve alongside him in the tank. He emphasized that his party would not join a government that maintains the current exemption system for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, which he described as "Torato Omanuto" (Torah study as a profession), calling it a security risk to Israel.

Tropper clarified his stance on sanctions related to military service, opposing criminal penalties against ultra-Orthodox individuals but supporting economic sanctions, stating, "If you choose not to serve, the state should not fund you." He also stressed that his political alliances are based on Zionist values rather than religious sector interests, saying, "I am a proud religious Zionist, but I represent the people of Israel, not just one sector. We are not seeking an alliance with the ultra-Orthodox but with Zionists." This interview highlights the ongoing debate within Israeli politics over the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into national service and coalition dynamics ahead of the next government formation.