Yoaz Hendel Clashes with Channel 14 Panel Ahead of Knesset Elections
Yoaz Hendel clashed with Channel 14's panel ahead of the Knesset elections, criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu over military recruitment shortages and economic policies.
Yoaz Hendel, leader of the Reservists Party, appeared on Channel 14’s "The Patriots" program just three days before the 26th Knesset elections, engaging in heated clashes with host Yinon Magal and the panel. Hendel, running on a joint ticket with Prof. Yaron Zelecha of the Economic Party, was pressed on his prospects of passing the electoral threshold but dismissed concerns regarding the polls.
Responding to Magal’s claim that most polls project his party failing to enter parliament, Hendel pointed to recent surveys by Kan 11, Walla, and Israel Hayom that allocate four mandates to his faction. He also took a jab at Channel 14’s polling figures, suggesting they consistently favor Benjamin Netanyahu, and remarked that Wednesday's election results would reveal the accuracy of pollster Shlomo Filber.
Recent polling data from Kan 11 and Israel Hayom indeed place the Reservists and Economic joint list at four mandates, the minimum threshold required to enter the Knesset. This leaves the small parties facing continuous anxiety over potential wasted votes as the election approaches.
Addressing his past political alignments, Hendel argued that blind party loyalty often indicates a lack of ideological backbone. He stated his ultimate objective is to form a Zionist government excluding ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, while simultaneously voicing opposition to calls targeting Channel 14 or the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli.
The sharpest confrontation, however, centered on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Israelis. "Netanyahu is responsible for October 7 simply by virtue of being prime minister," Hendel declared, asserting that the Israel Defense Forces face a severe manpower shortage of 13,000 soldiers. He accused the prime minister of hindering military victory by failing to enforce broader recruitment.
Hendel further criticized government policy in Gaza and Lebanon, accusing panel members of encouraging military retreats due to troop depletion. He also referenced financial flows into the Gaza Strip, pointing to an estimated 250 million shekels generated monthly by Hamas through commercial fees on private sector imports.
Concluding the interview, Hendel defended his political partner, Prof. Yaron Zelecha, targeting the panel over the severe cost of living in Israel. "You are attacking Zelecha because you realize he is right," Hendel stated, emphasizing that economic reality cannot be managed with forecasts alone.
