Gantz Vows to Continue Political Fight, Regrets Joining Previous Government
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz remains committed to his political campaign despite falling below the electoral threshold in polls.
- He regrets joining a previous government, believing it allowed extremists to remain in power.
- Gantz advocates for a broad, cross-bloc Zionist government, excluding Arab parties.
- He believes a unified Zionist government is essential for Israel's survival.
- Gantz rejected critical statements made by Haredi leader Rabbi Dov Lando about Zionism.
Benny Gantz, a Member of Knesset and leader of the Blue and White party, stated that he does not need anyone's approval to continue his political campaign, despite recent polls showing his party below the electoral threshold. Gantz expressed confidence in his public support, citing his own internal surveys and a commitment to continue if his ballot is found in ballot boxes on the 27th. He recalled a past instance where he was below the threshold but ultimately secured eight seats, vowing to "humble himself" if necessary to present what Israel truly needs.
Gantz also revealed regret over his decision to join the government two years prior, stating it was a mistake because "extremists remained" and the pace was too slow. He took personal responsibility for this decision and for his actions on October 7th, when he joined the government, attempting to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu. He emphasized that the nation's tragedy is its failure to act differently since October 7th, 2023, warning that Israel will not survive if it remains divided.
He asserted that the only effective solution is a broad, cross-bloc Zionist government, including all Zionists from left and right, but excluding Arab parties. Gantz believes such a government is necessary to address key issues, including the Haredi draft law, for which he proposed a "Israeli service plan" with Gadi Eisenkot. He stated that only a small number of yeshiva students would be exempt under the principle of "Torah is his occupation."
Gantz explained his refusal to ally with Arab parties by stating the need to complete the mission in Gaza, where 40% of the area remains unaddressed, and he does not foresee an Arab party supporting such an operation. However, he welcomed any other group that accepts the government's foundational principles after it is formed. He also rejected recent statements by Haredi leader Rabbi Dov Lando that were critical of Zionism, asserting that without a state, there would be no community, and that such remarks mislead the Haredi public.
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