Hili Tropper Quickly Reverses Pledge Not to Join Netanyahu Government

Hili Tropper, leader of the "Beit Tzioni-Hamiluimnikim" party, initially declared in a campaign video that he would not join a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Tropper emphasized three key commitments: to be part of a Zionist-only government, to seek to expand the government with parties that share their principles, and explicitly stated, "We will not sit in a government of Netanyahu." This statement was made public on August 18, 2026, and quickly stirred controversy.

However, shortly after the video's release, Tropper sent a clarification message to his party's internal group, "Miluimnikim Leaders," softening his stance. He explained that his opposition was specifically to a coalition relying on "non-Zionist votes," and that his party would join a broad unity government including Netanyahu, the Likud, and other right-wing leaders such as Benny Gantz, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Lieberman if such a government forms. Tropper stressed that the decision is not fully in their hands.

Tropper concluded by urging critics to watch the full video and called on Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich to declare that Israel needs only a Zionist government. The party's goal remains to establish the broadest possible Zionist government. This rapid reversal highlights the fluid dynamics within the Israeli political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.