Chili Tropper: 'We Will Not Complete Netanyahu's Coalition'
In an interview with 103FM, MK Chili Tropper stated that his party, 'The Zionist-Reservists Home,' aims to form a broad Zionist government and will not join a coalition dependent on non-Zionist factions. He also criticized the government's handling of the draft law and its treatment of military commanders.
Knesset member Chili Tropper (The Zionist-Reservists Home party), former Minister of Culture and Sport, Minister of Science and Minister of Technology, spoke with Ben Caspit and Yinon Magal on 103FM radio about the upcoming elections, his party's polling success, and potential future alliances.
Addressing concerns that he might siphon votes from the right to the left, Tropper replied: "On the political axis, we are positioned much closer to the right than to the left. Our goal is to establish the broadest possible Zionist government. We will align with whoever secures the most mandates and work to include as many Zionist parties as possible. I do not speak in the language of 'yes Bibi, no Bibi.'"
Magal challenged this, suggesting that refusing to complete a 61-seat right-wing bloc effectively makes Tropper an ally of the left. Tropper countered: "We have been very precise: we are calling for a Zionist government. Netanyahu's 61-seat coalition includes 15 to 18 MKs who act against Zionism, such as those who pushed for legislation exempting Haredi deserters from arrest. I choose an alliance of those who serve."
Regarding a potential coalition with Yair Golan, Tropper acknowledged deep disagreements, particularly over Golan's past remarks about settlers. However, he maintained that his priority is the breadth of the Zionist government. "I will not be part of a government that depends on non-Zionist votes," he stated.
On the issue of accountability for October 7, Tropper said: "Everyone in a leadership position that day bears responsibility and must fulfill their role; that is how the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Staff, and the head of the Shin Bet acted. I joined the government that week seeking true partnership, but those agreements were later violated."
Tropper also addressed the draft of yeshiva students: "Every young man and woman, Jew or Arab, should serve the state, whether in the military or through national service. I know many yeshiva students who closed their Gemara to go and fight."
Finally, he criticized the controversy surrounding the alleged dismissal of Avi Bluth as Central Command chief: "This was a despicable act of ingratitude by a Minister of Defense using commanders for PR. Making such statements in studios during wartime is the peak of ingratitude toward those who serve us all."
