MK Hili Tropper has urged the formation of a broad Zionist government, but set conditions for joining it - despite the fact that most polls indicate that Tropper and his political partner, Yoaz Hendel, currently fail to cross the electoral threshold.
"If we want a Zionist government, Zionist forces will have to come together, and everyone will have to rise above their political interests and focus on what this country needs," Tropper said in an interview with the Knesset Channel.
He also said that his position is not based solely on opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, but on a broader worldview.
"Our voters have a clear position on Netanyahu, and I have also said it. That's why I've said I will not give Netanyahu the 61st seat for a coalition that relies on non-Zionist voices. But I'm also not willing to base my entire worldview on 'Bibi or not Bibi.' That's not the whole picture."
"When Netanyahu talks about a broad Zionist government, he means a government together with the haredi parties and the MKs who promoted the law exempting draft evaders from arrest, which this coalition supported. That's not Zionist. So I don't take seriously cynical statements made on the eve of an election campaign."
According to Tropper, "Those who bring together Zionists - around whom unite people who can climb into the same tank and fight together in Gaza or Lebanon - can be part of such a government."
Asked whether Otzma Yehudit chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir could be part of such a coalition, Tropper replied, "The first requirement is indeed Zionism, and Ben Gvir's voters have Zionism. After that, there are additional principles. If Ben Gvir decides to respect the rule of law and knows how to preserve Israel's international relationships and not harm them, then we can talk. But beyond Zionism, there are other conditions that mus tbe met."
Tropper said the next government should be based on national responsibility and cooperation among all Zionist parties, rather than political camps or personal considerations, adding, "The basic foundation is a Zionist government."