Hili Trooper Rejects Netanyahu Majority, Criticizes Coalition Choices Ahead of Israeli Elections

Just days after announcing a joint electoral run with Yoaz Hendel, Hili Trooper faces challenging early polls showing their list struggling to pass the electoral threshold. Despite this, Trooper remains confident, emphasizing the campaign is only three days old and highlighting positive public responses, including many expressing relief at finally having a viable option to vote for.

In an interview with Channel 12's "Meet the Press," Trooper distinguished his new list from Benny Gantz's party, focusing on representing the 300,000 Israelis who feel politically homeless. He stressed the list’s commitment to addressing core social issues like education and healthcare rather than engaging in divisive pro- or anti-Netanyahu rhetoric. Trooper described the initiative as a collective effort, naming partners Shira Shapira and Elisaf Peretz, both connected to fallen IDF soldiers, underscoring the list’s blend of experience and hope.

Trooper firmly denied any political coordination with figures like Gadi Eisenkot or Naftali Bennett, rejecting claims that his list acts as a proxy for Netanyahu or others. He stated the goal is to form the broadest possible Zionist government to tackle Israel’s challenges, supporting whoever can build such a coalition with the most Zionist mandates. However, he insisted that anyone in leadership during the October 7 attacks, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, should step down, aligning with precedents set by the IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet head.

Criticizing the current government and coalition for repeatedly passing non-Zionist legislation, Trooper condemned Netanyahu for siding with MK Itzik Goldknopf against wounded IDF veterans. He declared unequivocally that he would not allow his party’s support to enable a Netanyahu-led government, nor would he back reliance on Arab parties. While expressing respect for Eisenkot, Trooper emphasized his commitment to a strictly Zionist government, distancing himself from past alliances with ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, which he now views as unsuitable for Israel’s current needs.

Trooper revealed he had received multiple offers from other parties but chose to establish a new political framework, believing it to be the right and difficult path. Addressing criticism of Hendel’s past party affiliations, Trooper praised Hendel’s military service and immediate response during the October 7 crisis, highlighting his dedication and reliability as a partner.

Summary: Hili Trooper, running with Yoaz Hendel, rejects Netanyahu’s bid for a 61-seat majority and refuses to support a government reliant on Arab parties. Trooper calls for a broad Zionist coalition, criticizes current leadership over the October 7 attacks, and emphasizes his list’s focus on social issues and unity.

Points: - Early polls show Trooper-Hendel list struggling to pass the electoral threshold. - Trooper rejects Netanyahu’s leadership, refusing to enable his government. - The list targets 300,000 Israelis feeling politically homeless, focusing on social issues. - Trooper opposes reliance on Arab parties, advocating a strictly Zionist coalition. - He denies coordination with Eisenkot or Bennett and criticizes Netanyahu’s coalition choices. - Trooper praises Hendel’s military service and crisis response during October 7 attacks.

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Hili Trooper","Yoaz Hendel","Benny Gantz","Shira Shapira","Elisaf Peretz","Gadi Eisenkot","Naftali Bennett","Itzik Goldknopf"],"organizations":["IDF","Shin Bet","Channel 12"],"places":["Israel","Shiba Hospital"]}