Gantz Rebuilds Party, Seeking Centrist Figures for Upcoming Election

Benny Gantz intends to run independently in the upcoming elections and is working to rebuild his Blue and White party with a renewed list aimed at attracting figures not strongly identified with either political bloc. Gantz and his associates are reportedly seeking candidates who can rally around a message of unity and statecraft, and are considering individuals who had previously explored other political frameworks but ultimately did not join them.

One prominent name being considered is Dedi Shacham, who has stated he will not run in the upcoming elections. However, Blue and White plans to try and persuade him to change his decision and join Gantz's emerging list. Yuli Edelstein is also reportedly under consideration. Edelstein, left without a political home after Gilad Erdan decided not to run, is seen by Blue and White as potentially fitting Gantz's goal of building a list that transcends traditional camp divisions due to his background and stances.

Other potential candidates include attorney Shvut Ra'anan, formerly of Yoaz Hendel's "Reservists" party, and Roi Kunkol, a former senior advisor to Yair Lapid. While seeking new faces, the composition of the current representation is not yet finalized. Pnina Tamano-Shata is expected to continue with Gantz, while Alon Schuster and Michael Biton have not yet decided on their future with the list.

Gantz's objective is to rebuild Blue and White around a centrist identity focused on unity, hoping that a new composition and names not clearly aligned with existing camps will give the party renewed momentum for the elections.