Hendel and Trooper Cross Threshold, Boosting Gadi Eizenkot’s Political Prospects

In the latest weekly poll by Channel 12 on July 27, 2026, the party led by Yoaz Hendel and Hili Trooper, Beit Tzioni HaMiluaim (The Reserve Zionist House), surpassed the electoral threshold for the first time. This development is seen as a significant advantage for Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, as it disrupts the coalition Benny Gantz was poised to form with Dedi Simchi and Hendel, and also deters potential joint runs by Gideon Sa'ar and Yuli Edelstein.

The party’s entry is expected to add to Eizenkot’s bloc, potentially bringing it close to 60 seats, just shy of the 61-seat majority needed. Trooper has stated opposition to forming a government reliant on Arab parties, though this remains a longer-term debate. Currently, the new party’s presence is viewed as beneficial to Eizenkot whether or not it ultimately crosses the threshold.

Analysts note that out of the four projected seats for Hendel and Trooper’s party, three would come from the opposition bloc, with one from Netanyahu’s side. This dynamic introduces uncertainty, as the opposition bloc could shrink to 56 seats if the party fails to maintain momentum. The party’s growth could attract votes from both blocs, presenting a strategic opportunity for Eizenkot but also a potential headache.

The poll also reflects a shift in voter behavior, with the public focusing more on issues than personalities, citing concerns such as the October 7 massacre, cost of living, societal polarization, incitement, crime, and personal security. Meanwhile, other parties like those led by Sa'ar and Edelstein remain below the threshold but are encouraged by other polls.

In the right-wing camp, Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party is consolidating as a settlers’ party with strong representation from Judea and Samaria, potentially opening space for new parties like the one Winter is forming to appeal to less hardline religious Zionists. Hendel and Trooper’s party, while rooted in religious Zionism, positions itself differently from Smotrich’s faction.

Finally, Benny Gantz faces challenges as his party struggles to maintain support, though it still holds about 1.5 seats worth of voters desiring change. The evolving political landscape suggests a complex race ahead as parties jockey for influence and coalition possibilities.