Hili Tropper Reverses Course, Agrees to Join Netanyahu-Led Coalition Talks

Hili Tropper, chairman of the Zionist Home-Militarists party and Knesset member, initially declared he would not join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party. However, following significant pressure from party activists, Tropper and Yoaz Hendel issued a statement reversing their stance. Hendel clarified in a party group chat that their position remains to support only a Zionist government and that they will align with whoever secures the most Zionist recommendations. He emphasized that Netanyahu's coalition depends on non-Zionist votes, making their participation irrelevant unless a broad unity government forms including figures like Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Netanyahu.

Hendel urged critics to watch their full video and called on Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich to declare that Israel's sole need is a Zionist government. Meanwhile, Gilad Erdan, leader of the Unity party, pledged not to join a narrow government and insisted that only a broad unity government uniting both political blocs can deliver true right-wing policies and genuine conscription reforms. Erdan also warned that a vote for Tropper effectively supports Yair Golan, underscoring the political stakes involved.

This development highlights ongoing negotiations and realignments ahead of government formation in Israel, with parties emphasizing the importance of a Zionist coalition and unity government to address national priorities.