Israeli Politicians React to Benny Gantz's Election Withdrawal
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, withdrew from the upcoming elections, prompting varied reactions from Israeli politicians. The "change bloc" praised his decision as responsible, with leaders like Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Lapid thanking him for his service. Right-wing figures, including Shlomo Karhi and Bezalel Smotrich, criticized Gantz and urged Ofer Winter of the Am Israel Party to withdraw as well, warning of lost right-wing votes. The Am Israel Party stated Gantz's withdrawal underscores their own importance.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz withdrew from the upcoming elections, citing a need for responsible decision-making.
- Gantz received praise from "change bloc" leaders like Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Lapid for his "responsible" move.
- Right-wing politicians, including Shlomo Karhi, criticized Gantz and called on Ofer Winter to withdraw.
- Bezalel Smotrich warned that small right-wing parties risk losing votes and enabling a left-wing government.
- The Am Israel Party stated Gantz's withdrawal highlights their party's significance.
- Gantz's decision was framed as a move to avoid losing votes for the "change bloc."
Political figures across Israel's spectrum reacted sharply to Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming elections. Gantz, a former IDF chief of staff and minister, cited the need for responsible decision-making during a critical time for Israel.
Leaders from the "change bloc" largely praised Gantz's move as responsible and necessary. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Independence Party, thanked Gantz for his long-standing contribution to Israel's security and expressed confidence in his continued service to Israeli society. Former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid echoed these sentiments, calling Gantz's decision "responsible and correct" and wishing him success. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, emphasized the shared responsibility to ensure the victory of the change bloc, outlining his party's commitment to a Jewish, democratic, liberal, strong, and secure Israel. Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists and the Economy Party, also thanked Gantz for his service and urged voters from the "third bloc" to join his party, stating it's the only way to form a "Zionist government."
Conversely, figures from the right-wing bloc criticized Gantz's decision and called on other politicians to follow suit. Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi suggested Gantz was acting out of responsibility to his "left-wing friends" to avoid losing votes. He specifically called on Ofer Winter, head of the Am Israel Party, to withdraw from the race, stating he would "take his hat off" to him if he did.
Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, also attacked Winter, accusing him and other small parties of "irresponsibility" for potentially causing the right-wing to lose votes and risk a "left-wing government with supporters of terror." Smotrich urged the public not to vote for parties that are unlikely to pass the electoral threshold, warning that losing right-wing votes could lead to the left's ascent to power. The Am Israel Party, in response to Gantz's withdrawal, stated that it highlights the party's importance and that those who want a "serving and decisive right" should vote for them, as they are not dependent on the 61st Knesset seat.
Both Gantz and Winter were pictured in archival photos accompanying the report.
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