Trooper and Handel Demand National Security Ministry in Next Israeli Government

The "Beit Tzioni, the Reservists" party, led by Hili Trooper and Yoaz Handel, launched its election campaign on Wednesday, unveiling the "Magen David Plan". The plan outlines measures across education, equal service, governance, settlement, judiciary reform, cost of living, and rehabilitation of frontline communities. Central to their platform is the demand to pass a military conscription law before the next government forms. Trooper and Handel emphasized they will only join a Zionist government and insist that Handel be appointed Minister of National Security.

Trooper stated the party aims to transform the public's existing capabilities into effective state leadership, focusing on national interest. He criticized years of failed governance marked by rising violence and crime, calling for practical action on personal security rather than superficial gestures. Handel took a firm stance on service and governance, highlighting the importance of human capital and the need to dismantle autonomous areas, including the Arab sector and ultra-Orthodox enclaves, insisting all Israeli citizens must share national duties.

Handel explained his desire to lead the National Security Ministry, describing it as Israel's "eighth front" where the country is currently losing. The party's education proposals include investing in early childhood, raising young teachers' salaries, expanding school principals' autonomy, and linking public funding to core curriculum standards. For equal service, they propose mandatory military, national, or civil service for all citizens, with benefits for those serving and sanctions for those who do not.

Regarding settlements, the party promises a 90-day plan to strengthen the Galilee, Negev, Jordan Valley, Judea and Samaria, and frontline communities, alongside expanding legal settlement. To combat the high cost of living, they advocate increasing competition, breaking monopolies, reducing regulation, and supporting working families and reservists. Judicial reforms include promoting a "Zionist constitution," clarifying inter-branch relations, judicial system amendments, strengthening the rule of law, and limiting elected officials' terms.

On governance, the party proposes creating a dedicated Shin Bet unit to fight crime in Arab society, establishing a governance authority under the National Security Ministry, toughening penalties, and expanding efforts against agricultural crime. They also commit to approving a comprehensive rehabilitation plan within 90 days for northern, Gaza envelope, and other frontline communities, with expanded support for bereaved families, evacuees, and war victims.

In a recent interview, Trooper reiterated opposition to any government that divides the Land of Israel and affirmed the importance of settlement growth, rejecting evacuation of Judea and Samaria communities. On ultra-Orthodox conscription, he supports economic sanctions but opposes criminal penalties, stating, "If you choose not to serve, I will not fund you." He also rejected joining a government continuing the "Torato Omanuto" model. On judicial reform, Trooper called for adjustments, citing excessive power held by legal advisors during his ministerial tenure and advocating for constitutional regulation of their status, while opposing splitting the Attorney General role and favoring broad consensus on changes.