Former Ministers Hendel and Trooper Launch Zionist Reservists Party Demanding National Security Ministry

Former Israeli ministers Yoaz Hendel and Hili Trooper launched their new political party, "Zionist Home - The Reservists," in Jerusalem on Wednesday evening. The party aims to establish a Zionist government and presented its comprehensive "Magen David Plan" at the launch event, attended by hundreds of activists, IDF wounded veterans, and local leaders. The plan includes reforms in education, security, national service, governance, cost of living, and settlement development.

Hendel and Trooper set two key conditions for joining any coalition: forming a Zionist government and passing a draft law before the government is formed. They also declared their intention to demand the National Security Ministry portfolio for Hendel, whom they consider best suited to restore governance and personal security. Trooper criticized the current situation, stating that despite years of talk about governance, crime continues to escalate and streets keep bleeding, emphasizing the need for action over social media popularity.

Hendel highlighted the importance of human capital, crediting citizens and reservists for saving Israel on October 7, not the government. He called for dismantling autonomous regions within the country, stressing that all citizens must contribute through military, national, or civil service. The party’s platform includes significant investment in early childhood education, raising young teachers’ salaries, expanding school principals’ authority, and funding only institutions teaching core subjects.

Regarding national service, the party proposes a unified selection center and benefits such as full academic funding, housing assistance, public sector job preferences, and employer incentives for reservists. Economically, they pledge to reduce living costs by increasing competition, breaking monopolies, cutting regulation, opening imports, and lowering insurance prices by combating car theft.

Settlement development is a priority, with a promise to approve a national plan within 90 days of government formation to strengthen northern and southern border communities and settlements in Judea and Samaria. Governance reforms include promoting a Zionist constitution, changing the political system, strengthening the judiciary while maintaining checks and balances, reducing bureaucracy, and limiting elected officials’ terms.

To improve governance, the party plans to create a dedicated Shin Bet unit to combat crime in Arab society, establish a new governance authority within the National Security Ministry, toughen penalties for weapons offenses and criminal financing, strengthen prisons, and expand the fight against agricultural crime. They also commit to rehabilitating frontline communities and approving a government plan within three months to help northern residents return home, expand mental health support for war victims, assist bereaved families, and develop special programs for returning to education and employment after the conflict.