Yoaz Hendel Urges Likud Members to Join His Zionist Party Ahead of Primaries
On the day of the Likud primaries, Yoaz Hendel called on party members to leave Likud and join his new party, Beit Tzioni-Hamiluimnikim (Zionist Home - Reservists). Hendel criticized the current government and ultra-Orthodox parties, accusing them of failing Israel in the ongoing conflict and promoting mass draft evasion laws. He emphasized that the Zionist Home represents the true values of settlement, immigration absorption, and homeland defense, areas where he says Likud has failed.
Hendel cited recent polls showing his party surpassing the electoral threshold and estimated they could win between five and seven seats in the Knesset. He expressed confidence in growing support, highlighting grassroots volunteer efforts and strong attendance at party events. Hendel also defended the party’s relative political inexperience, arguing that veteran politicians failed to prevent the October 7 attacks and that new leadership from the frontlines is needed.
He ruled out forming a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, stating such alliances would be ineffective in wartime and risk fragmenting Israel into autonomous regions, including Arab areas near strategic military sites and ultra-Orthodox enclaves hostile to the state. Hendel indicated his party aims to secure the Ministry of Public Security to address governance gaps in the Negev and Galilee.
Finally, Hendel revealed ongoing talks with Avier Kara, a longtime associate, about joining the party before finalizing the candidate list. He expressed ambition for the Zionist Home to become a significant political force, if not the largest party in the next Knesset.
Summary: Yoaz Hendel urged Likud members to join his Zionist Home party on the day of Likud primaries, criticizing the current government and ultra-Orthodox parties, projecting electoral gains, and revealing talks with Avier Kara to strengthen his party ahead of the 2026 elections.
