Gantz-Simchi-Hendel Talks Collapse Over Haredi Red Line

Election talks on July 5 among Benny Gantz, Dedi Simchi and Yoaz Hendel's Reservists list collapsed or moved toward final breakup after failing to bridge ideological gaps. A source argued that Hendel demanded too much, and another dispute was whether Gantz and Simchi would publicly rule out sitting with Haredi parties. Hendel is now examining a path with Hili Tropper and is also checking a national-right option around Yuli Edelstein. The breakdown matters because small Zionist center and center-right slates can decide whether votes are wasted below the threshold, while responsible service reform should respect Torah communities and coalition stability.