Gantz Quits Knesset Race Citing IDF Soldier Vote Timing
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, announced his withdrawal from the Knesset race a week before elections. The timing was reportedly to prevent IDF soldiers from voting for his party before his departure, as early military voting begins Monday. Gantz, a former IDF Chief of Staff, did not want soldiers to vote for a party whose leader was about to withdraw. His party had been struggling in the polls below the electoral threshold.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz withdrew from the Knesset race a week before elections.
- Gantz's withdrawal was timed to prevent IDF soldiers from voting for his party.
- Early voting for IDF soldiers was scheduled to begin Monday.
- Blue and White had been polling below the electoral threshold.
- Gantz had recently stated he would continue the race to the end.
Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, announced his withdrawal from the Knesset race on Sunday, just one week before the elections. The decision was reportedly made to prevent IDF soldiers from voting for his party before he announced his departure. Military polling stations are set to open on Monday in various IDF bases, with soldiers beginning to cast their ballots. Gantz, a former IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister, did not want soldiers to vote for his party only for him to withdraw from the competition. He therefore chose to announce his decision before the early voting process commenced for military personnel. Reporter Moriah Asraf commented on the personal significance of the move, suggesting it reveals more about Gantz as a person and expressing hope that his political career is not over. Gantz's withdrawal follows a period where his party struggled in the polls, remaining below the electoral threshold, despite Gantz's recent assertion that he intended to continue the race until the end.
