Israeli Politicians React to Benny Gantz's Election Withdrawal
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Benny Gantz, chairman of Blue and White, announced his withdrawal from the upcoming elections, prompting varied reactions from Israeli politicians. Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan praised Gantz's decision as responsible, while the Religious Zionism party expressed concern over potential vote splitting on the right. Bezalel Smotrich criticized smaller right-wing parties for risking a left-wing government, and Ofer Winter highlighted his party's importance following Gantz's exit.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz withdrew from the upcoming elections, prompting political reactions.
- Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan called Gantz's decision correct and responsible.
- Religious Zionism expressed concern about vote splitting and wasted votes on the right.
- Bezalel Smotrich criticized right-wing parties for risking a left-wing government.
- Ofer Winter stated his party is the only option for a right-wing government.
- Gantz was thanked for his decades of service to Israel's security.
Following Benny Gantz's announcement that he is withdrawing from the upcoming elections, Israeli politicians from across the spectrum have offered their reactions. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yashar," described Gantz's decision as "correct and responsible" during these "fateful elections since the establishment of the state." Eisenkot thanked Gantz for his "long years of contribution to Israel's security" and expressed confidence in his continued contributions to Israeli society.
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, echoed Eisenkot's sentiments, calling Gantz's decision "responsible and correct." Golan emphasized the "shared responsibility" to ensure the "victory of the change bloc" in these "fateful times for Israel's future," reiterating the Democrats' commitment to a "Jewish, democratic, liberal, strong, and secure Israel."
Reactions from the Religious Zionism party expressed concern about vote splitting and "wasted votes" on the right. They suggested Gantz's withdrawal was motivated by a desire to prevent votes from going to the "left bloc," which they now see as "exemplarily organized."
Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of Religious Zionism, criticized Ofer Winter and other party leaders on the right who are not approaching the electoral threshold. Smotrich accused them of "absolute irresponsibility" for "throwing votes into the trash" and "endangering the State of Israel" by potentially leading to a "left-wing government with supporters of terror."
Ofer Winter, chairman of "Am Israel," thanked Gantz for his decades of service. Winter stated that Gantz's withdrawal "highlights the importance of the 'Am Israel' party in Israeli public life." He asserted that those who desire a right-wing government that is not dependent on the "61st vote of Goldkopf" have only one home: "Am Israel."
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