Israeli Politicians React to Benny Gantz's Election Withdrawal
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, withdrew from the upcoming elections, drawing praise from the "change bloc" and criticism from the right. Supporters like Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Lapid called his decision responsible, while figures such as Shlomo Karhi and Bezalel Smotrich accused him of acting to consolidate left-wing votes. Smotrich also urged Ofer Winter to withdraw, warning of a potential left-wing government if right-wing votes are lost.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz withdrew from the upcoming elections, prompting varied reactions from Israeli politicians.
- The "change bloc" praised Gantz's decision as responsible and necessary for Israel's future.
- Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Lapid thanked Gantz for his service and called his move responsible.
- Right-wing figures like Shlomo Karhi and Bezalel Smotrich criticized Gantz's withdrawal.
- Smotrich urged Ofer Winter to withdraw, warning of a left-wing government if right-wing votes are lost.
Following the announcement of Benny Gantz's withdrawal from the upcoming elections, Israeli political figures from across the spectrum offered their reactions. Gantz, the chairman of the National Unity Party, decided not to run, prompting a wave of responses.
Supporters within the "change bloc" praised Gantz's decision as responsible and necessary for the future of Israel. 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 also lauded Gantz's "responsible and correct" move, wishing him success. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility to ensure the victory of the change bloc and advocating for a "Jewish, democratic, liberal, strong, and secure Israel."
Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists and the Economy Party, thanked Gantz for his years of service, calling his decision "proper and necessary for the country." He urged voters from the "third bloc" to join his party, stating it's the only way to form a "Zionist government."
In contrast, figures from the right-wing bloc criticized Gantz's move and called on others to follow suit. Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi suggested Gantz acted out of responsibility to his "left-wing friends" to avoid losing votes, and urged Ofer Winter to also withdraw. Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, echoed this, stating that Gantz's withdrawal means the left is now "perfectly organized" to prevent vote loss. Smotrich also urged Winter and other parties failing to pass the electoral threshold to withdraw, warning that losing right-wing votes could lead to a "left-wing government with supporters of terror."
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