Gantz Vows to Continue Knesset Run, Pushing Unity Government

Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, officially announced he will not withdraw from the Knesset race, despite claims that his candidacy could lead to wasted votes. In a special statement, Gantz warned against further elections and narrow governments, asserting that at least six Knesset seats are interested in voting for his party. He declared, "I am running to the end, whoever votes for me votes for unity, not for blocs." Gantz positioned his continued participation as a fight to establish a unity government, criticizing politicians from both major political blocs for opposing this goal and instead seeking a decisive outcome that he believes serves them politically.

Gantz argued that the insistence on political decisions over cooperation could lead Israel to another election cycle and the formation of narrow governments. He linked internal divisions to Israel's security challenges, cautioning that continued rifts could embolden enemies to attack. "They are leading Israel to more elections, to narrow governments that will tear us apart from within, that will cause our enemies to attack us again," he stated.

Addressing concerns about vote wastage, Gantz rejected these claims, emphasizing that his party offers an alternative to the existing bloc division. "I do not belong to any bloc. Whoever claims I am wasting votes is lying and afraid," he declared. He estimated that at least six seats want to vote for his party, urging supporters, "You are not alone. Vote, and we will save the country."

Concurrently, the National Unity Party announced a broad campaign launching that evening, under the slogan "Choosing Unity, Saving the Country." The campaign, set to appear on buses, billboards, digital platforms, and social media, will focus on the argument that a unity government is the necessary solution to the political situation and that Gantz's party is committed to advancing such a solution. The campaign aims to highlight the difference between Gantz's stance and the bloc struggle, presenting a vote for National Unity as a vote for establishing a unity government.