Two neighbors, four seats, and the one that decides Israel's next government – analysis

Two residents of Ness Harim, Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel, have formed the Bayit Tzioni - HaMiluimnikim (Reservists' Zionist Home) party, which recently crossed Israel's electoral threshold with four seats in a Channel 12 News poll. This development is significant because it could enable the anti-Netanyahu bloc to reach 60 seats, one short of a governing majority, without relying on Arab parties. Tropper, known for donating a kidney and fostering a religious-secular community, and Hendel, a former naval commando who volunteered for combat after October 7, aim to represent the large constituency of reservists and their families.

"Those were exactly the words I needed to hear to do the opposite,"

Hendel stated regarding his decision to drive south on October 7 despite being told to stay home. The party's stance is to sit only with Zionist parties and holds Netanyahu's government responsible for October 7, positioning their four seats firmly within the anti-Netanyahu camp.