Reservists Party vows to form Zionist government, discusses potential alliance with Gantz

Lead

The Reservists Party, a new Israeli political movement founded by reserve soldiers and their families, has opened a headquarters in the northern border city of Kiryat Shmona, vowing to directly assist residents under ongoing rocket fire from Hezbollah. In parallel, the party is reportedly exploring a political alliance with Benny Gantz's Blue and White Party ahead of elections expected no later than October 2026.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the party's activities comes from two separate reports by The Jerusalem Post. The first, published April 13, 2026, focused on the opening of the party's northern headquarters and its criticism of the government's response to attacks on the region. The second, dated April 19, 2026, detailed the party's stated goal of forming a "Zionist government" and its potential partnership with Gantz. While both articles share a factual basis, they emphasize different aspects of the party's platform and strategy.

The first report highlights the party's grassroots presence in Kiryat Shmona, where it plans to operate an assistance command center for residents. It quotes party leader Yoaz Hendel accusing the government of neglect: "The Reservists are once again where the state disappears." The second report, meanwhile, centers on the party's political ambitions, including its refusal to sit in a government with parties that do not support universal conscription, a principle that excludes most ultra-Orthodox (haredi) and Arab parties.

Key Claims

• Headquarters in Kiryat Shmona: The Reservists Party launched its headquarters on April 13, 2026, in the northern city near the Lebanese border, according to The Jerusalem Post. The facility is intended to serve as a hub for civic and political activity, including a command center for residents affected by Hezbollah attacks.

• Government criticism: Party leader Yoaz Hendel, a former communications minister, criticized the government for what he described as an insufficient response to the ongoing rocket fire. "If government ministers do not understand how significant this place is, we will be here in their stead," he said, urging ministers and opposition leaders to relocate their offices to the north.

• Party composition and origin: The party comprises reserve soldiers, their families, wounded IDF veterans, bereaved families, and civilian volunteers, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. It was established in September 2025, positioning itself as a response to the leadership vacuum after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and advocating for universal conscription.

• Goal of a "Zionist government": The party stated its mission is "to ensure the formation of a Zionist government without the ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, with proper leadership." This statement was made to The Jerusalem Post in response to questions about a potential alliance with Blue and White.

• Potential Gantz alliance: Reports indicate that Benny Gantz has been in contact with Hendel to discuss a political alliance. The Jerusalem Post noted that both parties have failed to pass the electoral threshold in recent polls, making a joint list a possible strategy to secure representation.

• Campaign against haredi and Arab parties: The party launched a campaign on April 15, 2026, calling for measures to prevent those who do not serve in the IDF from voting or running for office, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

From the government's perspective (inferred, not directly reported): The government has maintained a ceasefire with Hezbollah and may argue it is taking necessary security measures. However, the Reservists Party's criticism implies a perceived lack of support for northern communities.

From the party's perspective: The Reservists Party sees itself as filling a leadership vacuum and advocating for national service as a prerequisite for political participation. Its moves to ally with Gantz and its focus on the north reflect a strategy to broaden its appeal while sticking to its core principles.

From the perspective of excluded groups (haredi and Arab parties): The party's stance against their inclusion in government is likely controversial, but no direct comments from these groups were included in the provided sources.

Note: The reports do not specify the exact nature of the talks between Hendel and Gantz, nor do they confirm an alliance has been finalized. The claims about the party's composition and its campaign against haredi and Arab parties are drawn from a single news outlet and have not been independently verified.

Outlook

As Israel moves toward elections, the Reservists Party's dual focus on northern relief and political realignment may reshape the electoral landscape. Its potential alliance with Blue and White could provide a lifeline for both parties to clear the electoral threshold, while its vocal advocacy for national service could resonate with voters frustrated by longstanding exemptions. However, the party's exclusionary stance risks deepening political divides in an already polarized environment.