Lior Ashkenazi Hints at Last Season on 'Eretz Nehederet'
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Actor Lior Ashkenazi, who plays Benny Gantz on "Eretz Nehederet," suggested this season might be his last. He predicted Gantz will retire from politics a week before the October 27 elections. Ashkenazi's role began as a silent gag in 2019, mirroring Gantz's early political career. He expressed some affection for Gantz but still bet against his political future.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Lior Ashkenazi, who plays Benny Gantz on "Eretz Nehederet," believes this season may be his last.
- Ashkenazi predicted Benny Gantz will retire from politics a week before the October 27 elections.
- His portrayal of Gantz began as a silent "gag" in January 2019.
- The actor stated his continued role on the show depends on Gantz remaining in politics.
- Ashkenazi described Gantz as "a good person overall" with good motives.
Actor Lior Ashkenazi, who has portrayed politician Benny Gantz on the Israeli satire show "Eretz Nehederet" since 2019, believes the current season may be his last. Speaking on Guy Peleg's podcast, Ashkenazi also offered a bold political prediction for the man he impersonates, stating, "I'm telling you, a week before the elections he will retire, and I'll sign it for you." The next Knesset elections are scheduled for October 27, less than two weeks away.
Ashkenazi explained that his future on the show is directly tied to the character he plays. He joined "Eretz Nehederet" as a "gag" portraying Gantz when the politician first entered politics and was initially silent, mirroring Gantz's early public persona. "I came in as a gag," Ashkenazi said, noting that the bit was not intended to last so long.
However, the silent impersonation of the former IDF Chief of Staff, which debuted in January 2019, became one of the show's most recognizable characters. It has accompanied Gantz through his initial campaign, his tenure as Defense Minister, and his current role with the National Unity party.
Despite his comedic portrayal, Ashkenazi expressed a degree of fondness for the real Benny Gantz, calling him "a good person overall" with good motives. This sentiment did not prevent him from making a prediction against Gantz's political future. "He has a lot of money right now and he supports many people," Ashkenazi commented on Gantz's campaign, adding, "He's not stupid, I don't believe he's really stupid. The man was Chief of Staff."
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