Israel elections 2026: What does Tropper and Hendel's Zionist Home–The Reservists stand for?

A new political force, Zionist Home–The Reservists, has emerged ahead of Israel's 26th Knesset elections on October 27, founded in July by former Blue and White members Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel. The party, an evolution of Hendel's The Reservists, positions itself as centrist/right-leaning and aims to forge a "broad Zionist government." Tropper is listed first, but the leaders emphasize their equal partnership.

The party has explicitly stated it will not join a coalition with ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties. Hendel has been vocal about his stance, stating, "Netanyahu is not my red line. My red line is what kind of ideology the government represents, whether it is a Zionist government." He further elaborated that a 61-seat government for Netanyahu would be unacceptable due to the potential inclusion of ultra-Orthodox parties and the failure to pass a conscription law.

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Netanyahu is not my red line. My red line is what kind of ideology the government represents, whether it is a Zionist government.

With recent polling placing the party around the electoral threshold, it anticipates entering the Knesset with approximately four seats. This positioning makes Tropper and Hendel potential kingmakers, as they have expressed openness to sitting on either side of the political aisle. To join any coalition, they are demanding that Hendel be appointed National Security Minister, citing his security background and proven governmental achievements.

The party's platform, dubbed the Star of David Plan, outlines seven core areas: education, equal service, cost of living, settlements, checks and balances, governance, and border-community rehabilitation. While specific positions on foreign affairs or Iran are still developing, the party is known for its hawkish, right-wing stance. Notably, the party supports Israeli settlements and has yet to formally state its position on Hamas or the future of Gaza, though past statements by Hendel have included proposals for relocating Gaza residents and establishing a tent city outside the Strip.

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Let me put it this way: I can say one thing very clearly: a 61-seat government for Netanyahu will not happen, because that means sitting with the ultra-Orthodox parties, not passing a conscription law, and not accepting responsibility for the war.