Gantz Claims He Was Offered High Spot on Likud List

Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, revealed in an interview that he received an offer to be placed high on the Likud party's Knesset list during the previous election cycle. Gantz stated in a conversation with Roni Kuban on Kan 11 that he did not receive any offers from members of the "change bloc" of parties.

The Likud party has vehemently denied Gantz's claim, calling it "fake news" and stating that Gantz never received such an offer. Gantz further elaborated that while he had discussions with leaders of the "change bloc," including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Lapid, none of them extended an offer for a reserved spot on their lists.

Gantz's decision not to join Likud followed the offer, and he has since avoided political mergers. The article also provides background on Gantz's political career, including his entry into politics with the Hosen Yisrael party, its merger into the Blue and White alliance, and his subsequent roles as Defense Minister, Justice Minister, and Knesset Speaker.

It also details the formation and eventual dissolution of the National Unity alliance with Gideon Sa'ar's New Hope and Gadi Eisenkot, Gantz's brief tenure in the War Cabinet following the October 7th attacks, and his subsequent departure from the government. The report notes that many party members have left Gantz's faction, and current polls indicate his party, running as Blue and White in the upcoming elections, is below the electoral threshold.