Smotrich Urges Right-Wing Candidates to Withdraw After Gantz Exits Race
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged right-wing candidates, including Ofer Winter, to withdraw from the Knesset race after Benny Gantz announced his departure from the elections. Smotrich accused Gantz of acting responsibly for the left-wing bloc while small right-wing parties risk wasting votes. He called these parties "fragments" with no chance of passing the electoral threshold and warned against gambling with Israel's future. Smotrich also advised voters to only support parties guaranteed to pass the threshold.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Ofer Winter and other right-wing candidates to withdraw from the Knesset race.
- Smotrich's call followed Benny Gantz's unexpected decision to leave the upcoming elections.
- The minister accused small right-wing parties of having no chance to pass the electoral threshold.
- Smotrich stated Gantz acted responsibly for the left-wing bloc, which is now unified.
- He warned that these small parties are gambling with Israel's future and identity.
- Smotrich advised the public not to waste votes on parties unlikely to pass the threshold.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Monday for right-wing candidates, including Ofer Winter, to withdraw from the Knesset race following Benny Gantz's decision to leave the upcoming elections. Smotrich argued that Gantz demonstrated responsibility towards the left-wing bloc, while small right-wing parties continue to compete despite having no chance of passing the electoral threshold.
"When you hear the congratulations from all the left-wing party leaders on Gantz's decision to withdraw, you understand that he withdrew to show responsibility for the left-wing bloc and to bring them to power," Smotrich stated. He added that the left is now organized with zero wasted votes, while the situation on the right is the opposite.
Smotrich criticized Winter and other small parties, calling them "fragments of parties with no chance in the world of passing the electoral threshold" that are gambling with Israel's future. He directly appealed to Winter and other party leaders, urging them to withdraw and not gamble with the country's future, Jewish identity, or security.
Smotrich also advised the public to avoid voting for parties with uncertain chances of passing the electoral threshold, emphasizing not to waste votes or enable the establishment of a Palestinian state. Gantz's withdrawal came hours after he announced his departure from the elections, contradicting his previous statement that he would run until the end. Gantz's decision followed prolonged pressure from elements within the "Change bloc" who feared a waste of votes.
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