Reports that a new political alliance between Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party, Yoaz Hendel’s Reservists and political newcomer Dedy Simhi was on the verge of being announced appear premature, with sources telling The Times of Israel Thursday that key issues remain unresolved and that the Reservists party is still weighing other political options.

The prospective alliance would likely allow Blue and White and the Reservists to comfortably clear the 3.25 percent electoral threshold after months of hovering at or below it. According to a Kan report on Wednesday, a party comprising Blue and White, the Reservists and Simhi would win seven seats.

Polls suggest, however, that such a merger would do little to alter the overall balance between the pro-Netanyahu and opposition blocs, neither of which can currently form a government according to polls. The union’s significance may instead lie in future coalition negotiations following the election.

While Gantz, Hendel and Simhi have all criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, none has categorically ruled out serving under him, raising the possibility that the party could emerge as a kingmaker and provide Netanyahu with an additional option as coalition partner beyond his traditional ultra-Orthodox and far-right allies.

A source familiar with the discussion described the ongoing talks to The Times of Israel on Thursday as “advancing” but declined to comment on whether an announcement could be expected soon.

A Reservists source likewise confirmed that talks were “ongoing” but stressed that “nothing has been finalized,” adding that Hendel’s current reserve duty has complicated progress, though discussions are continuing in his absence.

The source added that the party remains in talks with other political figures beyond Gantz and Simhi, including former Blue and White lawmaker Chili Tropper, who left the party in May, as well as the centrist Fourth Quarter movement, led by Yoav Heller, which last week announced that it would form a political party.

The source stressed that Hendel is not in talks with Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, which has steadily risen in recent polls, closely behind or neck and neck with Netanyahu’s Likud; Naftali Bennett and Yair........

© The Times of Israel