Likud Primaries: Yoaz Hendel urges members to leave and reveals potential expansion plans
On the day of the Likud primaries, Yoaz Hendel called on party members to join the Zionist-Reservists' Home, criticized the government and ultra-Orthodox parties, and revealed that he is in talks with potential political allies.
The Likud party primaries are taking place this Monday, with the political system closely watching the list formation. Lt. Col. (res.) Yoaz Hendel of the Zionist-Reservists' Home delivered a firm message to Likud members during a conversation on 103FM radio, calling on them to leave the party. Later, he revealed which former Knesset member might join his ranks.
Hendel argued that Likud has changed its face during the current term and that members should seek a new political home: "I recommend Likud members simply leave this party. They have felt the reality of the last three years: a ruling party that harms our ability to win and keeps the army small. After three years of war and the influx of people pursuing personal interests—alongside mass enrollments of ultra-Orthodox who do not serve—I call on them to move to the Zionist-Reservists' Home. I believe this is their true home."
"I truly believe that many who were part of Likud ultimately care about the good of the State of Israel. That good means returning to the Zionist foundations of settlement, immigrant absorption, and homeland defense. In this, the party has failed miserably. Lots of talk and zero action," he added.
Addressing polling data, Hendel noted: "We are an accurate home for hundreds of thousands of Israelis and are currently passing the electoral threshold. It is not enough for me, even if it is 4 or 5 mandates. I estimate we will reach 7-8 mandates. We see a huge number of people who cannot reconcile with a catastrophic government that promotes mass draft evasion laws."
Hendel also responded to claims that his party members lack political experience, framing it as an advantage: "My mission is to bring a new generation of leadership. People who proved in this war that they are taking the country on their shoulders. I look at the experience of those in suits and ties for decades, and I don't see that it has led to anything. October 7 is a result of people with 'experience,' so I want to bring people from the front."
He sharply criticized the current government, ruling out a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, and signaled interest in the Ministry of Internal Security: "A government with ultra-Orthodox parties will not decide any war—it will only hand out 'absolute victory' hats. We are aiming for the Ministry of Internal Security because we see a vacuum in the Negev and the Galilee. The more Itamar Ben Gvir talks about governance, the less there is. Such a coalition is a disaster for the State of Israel, leading to fragmentation into autonomies."
Finally, Hendel claimed that further alliances are possible before the lists close: "Chili and I are talking to everyone to make this home as big as possible. Abir Kara is an old friend of mine. We will do everything possible to be a significant political force. Maybe we won't be the biggest party, but we will be the most important one."
