Gantz Defends Knesset Run Amid Calls to Withdraw

Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, has launched a strong defense of his decision to run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, pushing back against calls from within the "Change Bloc" political alliance for him to withdraw. These calls stem from Gantz's perceived low standing in opinion polls.

Gantz vehemently rejected the pressure, accusing his critics of attempting to silence him and delegitimize his candidacy. "There is nothing more anti-democratic than approaching a party and a candidate who have a path and trying to delegitimize them," Gantz stated, adding, "Democracy dies in darkness."

He characterized those urging his withdrawal as "dark people, self-proclaimed democrats" and criticized the involvement of media outlets and financially interested parties in trying to "shut mouths." Gantz asserted his intention to continue the campaign, dismissing concerns about "wasting votes." He argued that wasting votes means supporting parties stuck at 6.10% or those reliant on Arab or Haredi parties to form a government.

In response to criticisms from "Change Bloc" leaders who reportedly called his candidacy "frustrating" and a "hindrance," National Unity issued a sharp retort. The party accused these leaders of making "personal calculations" about vote retention on October 7th, the day of the Hamas attacks, while Gantz and his party were focused on the nation's future. National Unity reiterated its commitment to forming a "Zionist, cross-bloc" government not dependent on Arab or Haredi parties.

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, also stated that voting for a party outside the four main bloc parties equates to "voting for Netanyahu."