Simchi Says Hendel-Gantz Talks Continue Despite Collapse Reports

Dedi Simchi said in a same-day interview that he and Benny Gantz are in very advanced talks over a joint Knesset run, and that Yoaz Hendel remains in the conversation despite reports that the talks had blown up. Simchi said no agreement has been reached, but insisted there was no final rupture after speaking with Hendel. He framed the emerging list as a Zionist center-right bridge that will not boycott Haredi parties, while ruling out parties he said prioritize Palestinians over Israel. The update matters because threshold-level alliances can decide whether national-camp and center voters waste ballots or produce a broader, stable coalition.