Benny Gantz Officially Withdraws from Election Race

Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, officially announced his withdrawal from the upcoming election race during a press conference on Monday evening. Earlier, Gantz had declared his intention to continue fighting for unity, stating it is the only solution to prevent further disaster and protect Israel from internal and external challenges. He had previously convened his faction members to inform them of his decision. Gantz is not expected to publicly endorse any other candidate. Sources close to him indicated that the decision was his alone and that he had planned to run until the end, but promised to act responsibly. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yashar," thanked Gantz for his "correct and responsible decision" to withdraw from the "fateful elections since the establishment of the state," praising his long-standing contribution to Israel's security. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, called Gantz's decision "responsible and correct," emphasizing the shared responsibility to ensure the victory of the "change bloc" and vowing to lead Israel toward a "Jewish, democratic, liberal, strong, and secure" future. Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the "Reservists and the Economists" party, thanked Gantz for his service and urged voters from the "third bloc" to join his party, asserting it is the only way to form a "Zionist government." The withdrawal follows a series of departures from Blue and White in recent months. Last week, it was reported that MK Alon Schuster, one of Gantz's long-time associates, informed him he would not remain until election day unless there was a significant shift in the polls. In a statement last weekend, Gantz had vowed to continue his run, criticizing both political blocs and asserting that his voters were not "burning votes" but rather supporting unity. He warned of an impending "disaster" and accused politicians from both blocs of opposing the unity he advocates for their own political gain, leading Israel toward further elections and internal division.