Israeli Politicians Praise Gantz's Decision to Withdraw from Election Race
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, announced his party's withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset elections, a move praised by many Israeli politicians as responsible. Gantz stated his commitment to fighting for national unity. The decision comes just days before the election, with recent polls showing Blue and White failing to pass the electoral threshold. Other politicians urged right-wing parties to follow Gantz's example and withdraw to prevent wasted votes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz announced his Blue and White party will not run in the upcoming Knesset elections.
- Gantz's decision was widely praised by political leaders across the spectrum as responsible.
- Recent polls indicated Blue and White would not pass the electoral threshold.
- Gantz stated he will continue to fight for national unity.
- Some politicians urged other right-wing parties to withdraw from the race.
- The "Am Israel" party countered, urging voters to support them for a right-wing government.
Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, announced on Monday that his party will not run in the upcoming Knesset elections. The decision was met with praise from across the political spectrum, including from leaders of both the "change bloc" and the coalition parties. Gantz stated that he will continue to fight for unity, which he believes is the only solution to prevent further disaster and protect Israel from challenges. He is expected to make a statement later today regarding his move, which comes just days before the election.
Former partner Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yes! party, thanked Gantz for his "correct and responsible decision" to withdraw from the "critical elections since the establishment of the state." Eisenkot also acknowledged Gantz's "longstanding contribution to Israel's security" and expressed confidence in his continued contributions to Israeli society. Prime Minister Yair Lapid also congratulated Gantz, calling his action "responsible and correct" and wishing him success. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, echoed these sentiments, stating that Gantz made a "responsible and correct decision" and emphasizing the "shared responsibility" to ensure the victory of the change bloc during this "critical time for Israel's future."
Yoaz Hendel expressed gratitude for Gantz's "many years of service" and noted that Gantz again acted "appropriately and as required for the country." In contrast, the Religious Zionism party criticized the "Am Israel" party, suggesting Gantz's withdrawal was to prevent votes from going to the left. They accused Ofer Winter and other parties below the electoral threshold of "irresponsible" behavior, wasting votes and risking a "left-wing government with supporters of terror."
Minister Gideon Sa'ar of the Likud urged right-wing parties close to or below the electoral threshold to follow Gantz's example and withdraw, warning that "the price of wasting right-wing votes" could be "fatal" and urging responsibility for "the people of Israel and the land of Israel."
The "Am Israel" party, led by Ofer Winter, responded by asserting that anyone desiring a right-wing government that is not dependent on the "61st finger of Goldknopf" has only one home: "Am Israel." Recent polls published by Kan News indicated that Blue and White would not pass the electoral threshold. The polls showed the Eisenkot bloc with 53 mandates, the Netanyahu bloc with 51, Arab parties with 13, and Hendel and Zelicha's party with 4 mandates.
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