Zionist Union Chief Trooper Draws Red Line Over Eli Pre-Military Academy Closure

Chili Trooper, chairman of the Zionist Union, has publicly declared that his party will not join a government that shuts down the Eli pre-military academy or supports dividing the land. His statement came amid ongoing controversy stirred by Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic camp, who has called for ending public funding to the Eli academy, citing unacceptable messages allegedly promoted there. Trooper emphasized in a Galatz radio interview that if potential coalition partners align with Golan's positions, his party will refuse to cooperate.

This dispute follows sharp criticism from Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, who accused Golan of effectively aiding the Likud's propaganda efforts by repeatedly proposing settlement evacuations and advocating for a Palestinian state. Lieberman argued that Golan's focus on divisive issues undermines opposition unity and benefits Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The controversy has been exploited by Likud and Religious Zionist parties to deter right-wing and undecided voters from supporting the opposition bloc known as the Change Camp. With Trooper and Lieberman now openly distancing themselves from Golan, the rift has escalated beyond campaign rhetoric into a clear conflict among parties aiming to form the next government.