Gantz Withdraws from Election Race, Citing Political Realities

By יובל קרני

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

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Hebrew · 19 newsrooms covering

Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, withdrew from the election race eight days before the vote, citing political realities. This move effectively ends the "third bloc" in Israeli politics, leaving only the party of Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelicha. Gantz's decision followed a significant drop in his party's poll numbers, despite assurances he would stay in the race until the end. He and his remaining Knesset members will continue to serve until the new government is formed.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz withdrew from the election race eight days before the vote.
Gantz's withdrawal effectively dissolves the "third bloc" in Israeli politics.
The decision followed a significant drop in the party's poll numbers, from nearly 40 to below the threshold.
MK Alon Schuster had previously argued against running if the party couldn't pass the electoral threshold.
Yoaz Hendel, ideologically close to Gantz, may be the biggest beneficiary of the withdrawal.
Gantz and his remaining Knesset members will continue to serve until the new Knesset is sworn in.

Gantz Withdraws from Election Race, Citing Political Realities — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Blue and White party chairman Benny Gantz announced his withdrawal from the upcoming election race just eight days before the vote, a move that effectively dissolves the "third bloc" in Israeli politics. Gantz, who had previously vowed to stay in the race until the end and dismissed calls to withdraw, cited shifting political realities for his decision. His departure comes a day before soldiers begin casting their ballots.

The "third bloc," which promoted a message of unity and reconciliation, is now reduced to a single party led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelicha. Gantz's former senior partner, Gadi Eisenkot, had anticipated Gantz's decision, believing he would make the "right choice" not to run, though Gantz reportedly made the final decision after internal deliberation and despite his professional team presenting him with convincing poll data.

Within Gantz's party, there were differing opinions on running. MK Alon Schuster, positioned sixth on the list, had argued against competing if the party was unlikely to pass the electoral threshold, stating, "We must not throw votes away." Following Gantz's announcement, Schuster posted on X that the party's core values of responsibility for the democratic Jewish state, unifying statemanship, and professionalism remain, even as the political landscape changes.

The Blue and White party, with a significant election budget of approximately 15 million shekels funded by the state, had also recently filled all its positions for election committee members and chairpersons, roles that are paid. A party source indicated that these election day operations would continue unaffected.

The implications of Gantz's withdrawal are debated, with speculation that Yoaz Hendel, who is ideologically and politically closest to Gantz, might benefit the most, though the impact is expected to be limited given Gantz's low poll numbers. Gantz and his remaining Knesset members will continue to serve until the new Knesset is sworn in, roughly two weeks after the election. His decision follows a dramatic drop in his party's support, from nearly 40 mandates at the start of the war to below the electoral threshold.