Hendel Demand Stalls Gantz Center-Bloc Talks

Ynet published at 21:30 IDT, modified at 22:21, and Behadrei published at 22:44, updated at 23:13, that Yoaz Hendel's talks with Benny Gantz have hit difficulty because Hendel wants a technical alliance that lets his Reservists list split after the election, while Blue and White currently objects. Both say Hendel is also negotiating with Hili Tropper, who left Blue and White and may form his own framework, with discussions of joint leadership. They report polling putting a Gantz-Simchi-Hendel alliance at 5-6 seats, enough to clear the threshold. The maneuver matters because Zionist center and center-right voters are trying to avoid wasted votes while balancing unity, service and respect for traditional communities.