Gantz-Simchi-Hendel Talks Collapse Over Haredi Red Line
Published
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.
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Sources
Difference in reporting
Sources factually differ on how final the collapse is. Ynet says the negotiations were shelved after a breakdown and that Hendel is also talking with Hili Tropper, Yuli Edelstein and Ayelet Shaked. Maariv says the talks are on the way to final breakup after an ideological dead end, while Hendel checks other options. Kipa says the talks ended today without agreements but also cites Simchi's radio line that Hendel is still with them, though it is not closed. The agreed facts are uniform: no agreement was reached among Gantz, Simchi and Hendel; the dispute includes whether to rule out sitting with Haredi parties; and Hendel is examining alternative political partners. No other factual disagreements.
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