Recent statements by Democrats party chairman, Yair Golan, that he’ll cut government funding to the Bnei Dovid mechina in Eli have created a furor in Israel, even among the anti-Netanyahu bloc.

It should be noted that 34 former talmidim of the mechina in Eli have lost their lives on the battlefield since the October 7 massacre.

Earlier this week, Channel 13 political correspondent Moriah Asraf slammed Golan’s statements, saying that they are not only offensive but are also harmful to the anti-Netanyahu bloc.

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman joined in the criticism, saying that Golan should “just be quiet. That would be his greatest contribution to victory.”

Now, Zionist Home chairman Chili Tropper, who founded the Zionist Home-Reservists party with Yoaz Hendel, has also joined the criticism, and set a clear red line for his potential coalition partners.

Speaking to Army Radio, Tropper said his party would not join a government that embraces Golan’s positions regarding the Eli mechina or the future of the yishuvim.

“I will not be part of a government that closes the Eli pre-military academy or divides Eretz Yisrael,” Tropper said. “If they align themselves with those basic principles, then perhaps we can sit with them. If not, then we won’t.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)