Benny Gantz Withdraws from Upcoming Election, Citing Lack of Change in Polls
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, announced Monday he will not run in the upcoming Knesset elections, citing a lack of change in recent opinion polls. Gantz stated he would continue to fight for unity to prevent disaster and protect Israel. The decision, made a week before the elections, drew varied reactions from politicians and media figures, with some praising his responsible move and others speculating on its impact.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz announced he is withdrawing from the upcoming Knesset elections.
- Gantz cited a lack of significant change in recent opinion polls as his reason for withdrawal.
- He stated his continued fight for unity to prevent disaster and protect Israel.
- The decision was made a week before the elections are scheduled to take place.
- Politicians and media figures offered varied reactions to Gantz's announcement.
Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, announced on Monday his decision not to run in the upcoming Knesset elections. Gantz stated that he observed no significant shifts in recent opinion polls published days before the election, leading him to believe his continued participation would not alter the outcome.
In a dramatic announcement made a week before the vote, the former Defense Minister declared, "I will not run in the upcoming elections, I will continue to fight for unity. This is the only solution that will prevent further disaster and keep Israel safe from all challenges, both internal and external."
Reactions from politicians and media personalities were swift. Publicist Rani Rahav praised Gantz on X, writing, "Benny Gantz, I salute you! Well done! I am sure we will still enjoy you in a senior state role."
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party and considered a political rival to the Prime Minister, thanked Gantz for his "correct and responsible decision to withdraw from the crucial elections." Eisenkot added, "I am grateful for his long-standing contribution to Israel's security and am confident he will continue to contribute to Israeli society going forward."
Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party, called Gantz's decision "responsible and correct," emphasizing the need for "shared responsibility to ensure the victory of the change bloc" during this "fateful hour for Israel's future." He affirmed the Democrats' commitment to "real change and repair, and to a Jewish, democratic, liberal, strong, and secure Israel."
MK Efrat Reiten, head of the Democrats faction, thanked Gantz for his "correct and responsible decision and for his years of service." She stated that the unity Israel needs is between parties that do not promote draft evasion or corruption, but rather those with a different worldview, from the right, left, and center, that were not part of the "failure coalition and Kahanism" and knew how to lead the country.
Journalist Barak Sari, who interviewed Gantz on Sunday, noted that Gantz believed his support was split equally between Netanyahu supporters and opponents, suggesting his withdrawal would not significantly benefit any single bloc. Businessman Roni Mana, a former associate of the Netanyahu family, commented on X, "Benny Gantz, well done for withdrawing. Help Gadi win."
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