PR Guru Ran Rahav Slams Benny Gantz Over 'Bibi or Tibi' Remark

Public relations and media figure Ran Rahav has issued a scathing open letter to former Defense Minister and Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz, criticizing Gantz's recent "Bibi or Tibi" statement. Rahav, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), directly challenged Gantz's comparison, listing numerous alleged failures of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rahav argued that Tibi (referring to MK Ahmad Tibi) has not engaged in treason with Qatar, has not enabled draft-dodging by the ultra-Orthodox, and that Arab citizens of Israel supported the country for three years during wartime. He further highlighted the contributions of the Arab community to Israeli society, citing examples of Arab medical staff and pharmacists.

Rahav then pivoted to a detailed critique of Netanyahu's government, questioning Gantz's alignment with the prime minister. He listed a series of issues, including the October 7th attacks, the cost of living, the handling of settlers, Israel's international isolation, the situation in the north, the transfer of funds to Hamas, and the appointment of Supreme Court judges. Rahav also criticized the government's allocation of coalition funds instead of providing grants to reservists and the wounded, and accused Netanyahu of enabling MK Rotman to turn Israel into a dictatorship.

Demanding that Gantz withdraw from the political race, Rahav stated, "It is important, dear Benny, that a person of values like you immediately withdraw from the race and transfer your votes to the people of light." He suggested that influence can be exerted without being a Knesset member. Rahav concluded by asserting that Netanyahu wants war before elections and must be replaced by a new Likud leader, noting that both the Democratic and Republican parties are reportedly against the current Israeli government.