Gantz Quits Israeli Election Race, Citing Need for Unity
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset elections, citing the need for unity. He believes this is the only way to prevent disaster and preserve Israel. Gantz's decision is seen as a response to poor polling numbers that suggested his party might not pass the electoral threshold. Other party leaders reacted, with some praising his responsible decision and others using it to bolster their own campaigns.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz announced his withdrawal from the Israeli Knesset elections, citing the need for unity.
- Gantz's decision is reportedly due to his party's low polling numbers and inability to pass the electoral threshold.
- He stated his goal is to fight for unity and prevent disaster for Israel.
- Other political leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan, commented on Gantz's decision.
- Several parties, including Religious Zionism and Am Israel, used Gantz's withdrawal to criticize opponents and rally support.
Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, announced on Monday his withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset elections, scheduled for just eight days later. Gantz stated, "I will not run in the coming elections, I will continue to fight for unity. This is the only solution that will prevent another disaster and preserve Israel against all challenges from within and without." The decision is widely believed to stem from Gantz's assessment that his party would struggle to pass the electoral threshold. He is scheduled to address the media later on Monday regarding his decision. The National Unity Party stated that Gantz will focus his efforts on forming a unity government to serve the state of Israel.
Reactions to Gantz's announcement came from other political leaders. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yesh" Party, thanked Gantz for his "correct and responsible decision" to withdraw from the "fateful elections since the establishment of the state," acknowledging Gantz's long-term contributions to Israel's security. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats Party, echoed this sentiment, calling Gantz's decision "responsible and correct" and emphasizing the need for shared responsibility to ensure the victory of the "change camp." He affirmed the Democrats' commitment to "real change and reform" and a "Jewish, democratic, liberal, strong, and secure Israel."
Other parties also commented on the development. The "Am Israel" Party stated that Gantz's withdrawal highlights the importance of their party in Israeli public life, positioning themselves as the sole option for those seeking a right-wing government that makes decisions. The Religious Zionism Party suggested Gantz's resignation was driven by a desire to prevent votes from being lost to the left, warning that the left is now "perfectly organized" while criticizing right-wing parties that may not pass the electoral threshold. They urged voters not to support parties that might not clear the threshold, fearing a left-wing government. Yoaz Hendel, leader of the Reservists and Economics Party, thanked Gantz for his service and called on "third camp" voters to join his party, asserting that voting for them is the only way to form a Zionist government.
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