Beni Gantz Slams Netanyahu's 'Blood Libel' Amidst Election Campaign

Former Israeli Prime Minister and leader of the "Achieving Peace" party, Beni Gantz, presented his political platform during a briefing for diplomatic reporters on Thursday, launching a sharp attack on current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz accused Netanyahu of spreading a "blood libel" and acting with all his might to foster the belief that there was a betrayal, stating, "I cannot recall such a severe statement from an Israeli leader." He asserted that Netanyahu knows millions of Israelis believe this narrative and is actively promoting it.

Gantz declared that Israel is in a "diplomatic emergency," lamenting that despite the IDF's battlefield successes three years after October 7th, victory remains elusive. He criticized that political decisions are being made far from Jerusalem, with foreign leaders dictating Israel's future and hostile nations shaping its borders.

Addressing relations with the United States, Gantz outlined a plan to restore Israel's standing among American citizens, emphasizing the critical role of the US alliance in achieving military and diplomatic victories. He specifically praised former President Trump as the most supportive leader Israel could have wished for, but noted the absence of an Israeli partner to secure diplomatic wins.

Regarding the conflict with Iran, Gantz vowed to continue the "octopus strategy" for direct retribution and revive a plan he initiated as prime minister to weaken the Iranian regime, which he claims was halted by the current government. He also proposed leveraging a unique window of opportunity to dismantle Hezbollah through economic pressure and political maneuvers supporting the Lebanese government, while maintaining a security buffer zone until the terrorist organization is disarmed.

For the northern front, Gantz advocated for security agreements with Syria to distance Turkey and secure recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Concerning Gaza, he pledged to complete the mission the outgoing government failed to achieve, leading to Hamas's dismantling. He also proposed expelling Qatar and Turkey, whom he accused of supporting Hamas, and engaging Egypt and other nations committed to Hamas's dissolution.

Gantz concluded by describing a new Middle East emerging where Israel is not leading, and vowed to expand the Abraham Accords. He stated that Arab leaders not answering the Israeli prime minister's calls is not inevitable. He promised to maintain Israel's qualitative advantage by preventing uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia, which could trigger a dangerous nuclear arms race, asserting that Netanyahu is allowing this without even securing normalization commitments.