Yoaz Hendel: Reservists Party expected to join political alliance ahead of elections - interview

The Reservists Party is actively seeking to join a political alliance before the upcoming Israeli elections, according to party leader Yoaz Hendel. In a recent interview, Hendel described the ongoing discussions as "sensitive talks" regarding a potential merger.

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My worldview says we must behave in politics with the same seriousness as in military or civilian missions. We cannot take risks. We must come with serious political power. Otherwise, we will get the same result again.

Hendel emphasized that any alliance must be grounded in shared ideology and principles, rather than purely political expediency. "My worldview says we must behave in politics with the same seriousness as in military or civilian missions. We cannot take risks. We must come with serious political power. Otherwise, we will get the same result again," he explained.

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The Reservists are supposed to be the factor that changes the system. There are enough serious forces we can partner with, but it must be based on ideology and principles, not politics.

The party, which currently falls short of the electoral threshold in polls, positions itself as a response to a perceived leadership vacuum following the October 7 attacks. A central tenet of the Reservists Party is the advocacy for universal conscription. They also refuse to join any government that includes parties whose members do not serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

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We want to integrate all groups into Israeli society.

Hendel did not rule out the possibility of serving in a government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although he expressed a personal belief that citizens should not vote for the premier, holding him responsible for the October 7 Hamas attacks. The party has actively campaigned against Haredi and Arab parties, advocating for barring individuals who do not serve in the IDF from voting and running for Knesset. Hendel stressed the importance of integrating all groups into Israeli society, including Arab and Haredi citizens, through national service or military conscription.

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There is no reason an Arab citizen from Umm al-Amad should not do national service, and no reason a haredi citizen should not serve in the army or in civil service. Whoever chooses not to serve should not be