Former Minister Hili Trooper Rules Out Joining Netanyahu Government

Hili Trooper, former minister and chairman of the "Beit Tzioni - Reservists" party, declared on Tuesday via a video posted on the party's X account that his party will not join any government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trooper outlined three core principles: his party will only join a Zionist government, will strive to broaden the coalition with parties that share their values, and will categorically refuse to serve under Netanyahu.

Trooper emphasized his party's commitment to supporting soldiers, promising to advocate for better solutions for wounded veterans and to shift benefits from draft dodgers to active servicemen. He also highlighted the importance of education and personal security, calling for a government focus on improving children's education and restoring public safety after years of rising violence.

Addressing social inequality, Trooper stressed the need to reduce disparities based on birthplace and family income, ensuring excellent services and opportunities in peripheral regions like the Negev and Galilee. He concluded by pledging integrity and prioritizing the country's welfare in political conduct.

The statement drew sharp criticism from the Religious Zionism party, accusing Trooper and his ally Haim Hendel of boycotting their bloc and threatening the national camp by demanding Netanyahu's ouster or else supporting left-wing figures like Yair Golan and Naama Lazimi. Gilad Erdan, leader of the Unity party, also responded harshly, warning that a vote for Trooper equates to supporting Golan and asserting that only his party can deliver genuine right-wing unity and effective conscription policies.