Gantz Quits Election Race, Citing Soldier Vote Concerns

Benny Gantz, former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff, announced on Monday that he will not run in the upcoming Knesset elections. Political correspondent Moriyah Asraf revealed that Gantz's decision to withdraw now, just days before soldiers begin voting at military posts, was motivated by a desire to prevent soldiers from casting ballots for his party if it ultimately does not compete.

Asraf explained that Gantz did not want any soldier to vote for him if he would not be running in the end. She added that this decision reflects positively on Gantz, expressing a wish that he has not entirely concluded his political career for the sake of Israel.

Gantz's announcement marks a reversal from his stance just nine days prior, when he declared his intention to continue the race. He had insisted then that he would not "surrender to our enemies" and needed to fight for unity, stating that at least six Knesset seats were interested in voting for his Blue and White party. He also dismissed claims that his candidacy would waste votes, asserting he did not belong to any political bloc.

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, who left Gantz to run independently, thanked Gantz for his "correct and responsible decision" to withdraw from the "critical elections since the establishment of the state." Eisenkot acknowledged Gantz's long-standing contributions to Israel's security and expressed confidence in his continued contributions to Israeli society.

Gantz, who led the opposition bloc in three election cycles since 2019, later served as Alternate Prime Minister in the unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu during the COVID-19 crisis. The Knesset was dissolved before he could assume the role of Prime Minister according to the rotation agreement.