Gantz's Political Stumble Offers Lessons on Israeli Politics

Benny Gantz's current political campaign is drawing comparisons to past fringe candidacies, with many Israelis expressing anger over his decision to run despite negligible chances of crossing the electoral threshold. Critics argue his continued candidacy risks wasting tens of thousands of votes from the center-left bloc, whose supporters have backed him for years. Gantz, who was not initially expected to become IDF Chief of Staff, was reportedly known in the military as "Beni Nikhuta" (Benny Indifferently) for his perceived indecisiveness.

He entered politics in 2019 alongside Gabi Ashkenazi, aiming to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu. Their joint list initially achieved significant success, securing 35 Knesset seats in April 2019. However, this initial momentum did not translate into lasting political power, and Israel subsequently endured five exhausting election cycles, all ultimately won by Netanyahu. Gantz, seemingly captivated by political life, later merged with Gideon Sa'ar's "New Hope" party for the most recent elections, resulting in a list that garnered 12 seats, with a third of those attributed to the merger.

In recent months, Gantz has seen a mass exodus of his Knesset members, with some joining Benny Gantz and others leaving politics altogether. Current polls consistently show Gantz failing to pass the electoral threshold. Despite pleas from hundreds of constituents and close associates urging him to withdraw to avoid splitting the vote, Gantz has persisted, submitting a list with only one other member in the top five.

Sources close to Gantz attribute his stubbornness to ego, the potential to retain party funding, and a failure to accurately read the political landscape. Many feel exploited, especially after contributing to his campaigns through donations, protests, and votes. His refusal to withdraw is seen as selfish, disregarding the efforts of those who supported him. Furthermore, his party, "Blue and White," holds millions of shekels in state funding that would be forfeited if he doesn't run, a sum he appears unconcerned about losing. His past business ventures, including leading a company that faced bankruptcy and a criminal investigation, are also mentioned.

Analysts suggest Gantz's continued campaign, with polls showing him at around 1% support, demonstrates a disconnect from reality. This behavior is seen as detrimental to the center-left bloc's chances of unseating Netanyahu and is viewed as a gift to the Likud party. His political future appears bleak, with his campaign likely to end in disappointment for him and anger and deep disappointment for his former supporters.