Ex-Lapid Aide Joins Gantz's Party Ahead of Candidate List Deadline

Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz announced Tuesday the addition of reservist soldier Roee Kunkol, formerly an advisor to Yair Lapid, to his party's electoral list. The move comes just before the deadline for submitting candidate lists for the upcoming elections.

Gantz stated that Israel needs a broad, Zionist government to confront national challenges. He highlighted Kunkol's extensive reserve duty, noting that since October 7th, Kunkol has been working to bring the spirit of reserve service into Israeli society.

Kunkol explained his decision, saying, "In the first elections after October 7th, there must be a political force that ensures we have moved beyond the pre-war political conception. I am not willing to say this idea is hopeless, and I am not willing to surrender to forces whose interest is for us to remain divided. I am joining Blue and White under Benny Gantz, not because it is the easy choice, but because it is the right choice."

Kunkol recently left the "Miluimnikim" party (Reservists Party) about a month ago, criticizing its leaders, Yoaz Hendel and Chili Tropper. He had previously expressed his commitment to creating a new political space focused on forming a broad Zionist unity government after the elections, without boycotts. Kunkol accused Hendel and Tropper of fragmenting this political space and further damaging public trust.