Benny Gantz Insists on Leading Blue and White-Unity Party Talks Amid Coalition Challenges

In ongoing discussions about a potential merger between the Blue and White party and the Unity party, Benny Gantz firmly told Gilad Erdan that he refuses to give up the top spot on the joint list, asserting, "I am the one who must lead." This meeting, described as positive and cordial, marked their second encounter within two days. Both sides agreed to maintain contact and possibly convene working teams soon to negotiate the merger details.

A Unity party source criticized Gantz's stance, saying he acts as if he remains the prime ministerial candidate. Erdan emphasized to Gantz that the focus should be on shared principles and foundational agreements rather than positions on the list, which is what voters care about. Both parties operate under the assumption that neither will surpass the electoral threshold independently, making a joint list strategically necessary. However, neither leader is willing to relinquish leadership. Blue and White holds a financial advantage for campaign funding, while Gantz's party is struggling in the polls and facing internal pressure.

Simultaneously, Gantz is also negotiating with former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to join the alliance with Erdan. Yet, insiders warn that even a combined list might struggle to clear the electoral threshold.

Elsewhere on the political spectrum, Prime Minister Netanyahu faces obstacles in consolidating the right-wing bloc. Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir declared his party will not unite with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party, which is polling near the threshold. Netanyahu has called a meeting with ministers to stress the importance of not wasting votes. Otzma Yehudit's statement was definitive, advising Netanyahu to pursue other options such as uniting smaller right-wing factions or using reserved slots within Likud to support Smotrich.

Likud criticized Ben-Gvir for risking right-wing votes due to personal considerations, urging him to show maturity and responsibility. Even within Otzma Yehudit, some advisors believe Ben-Gvir dismissed the merger option too hastily, especially given the entrance of retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter into the race, who also opposes uniting with Smotrich. If both Ben-Gvir and Winter maintain their refusal, Netanyahu's remaining option may be to integrate Religious Zionist members into the Likud list, though the feasibility of this remains uncertain.