Gantz Quits Knesset Race, Citing Party's Poor Polls
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, announced he is withdrawing his candidacy for the 26th Knesset on October 19, citing poor public opinion poll results. Gantz stated he felt responsible for not convincing enough people of his party's platform and that the current political climate deepens national division. He expressed concern about his party passing the electoral threshold and did not want votes to be wasted, declining to endorse any specific candidate.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz, leader of National Unity, withdrew his Knesset candidacy on October 19.
- Gantz cited poor public opinion poll results as a key factor in his decision.
- He expressed concern his party might not pass the electoral threshold.
- Gantz stated the political reality deepens national division.
- He declined to endorse any specific candidate for the upcoming elections.
Benny Gantz, the leader of the National Unity party, announced on Monday, October 19, that he would not run for the 26th Knesset. Gantz stated that despite his consistent campaign message of staying in the race, public opinion polls had influenced his decision. He explained that he was withdrawing his candidacy with a heavy heart, acknowledging his responsibility for not convincing enough people of his party's path.
Gantz expressed his continued belief in unity and a state-first approach, stating he had served Israel for nearly 50 years and was not abandoning the "battle for unity." He described the political reality as a "trap" that deepened national division and hindered the country from starting a "new chapter."
When asked by a Ynet correspondent about his previous calls for a national unity government and his reasons for withdrawing if the party was expected to pass the electoral threshold, Gantz responded that it was difficult to solve key issues like the economy, conscription, and security without such a government. He admitted he was not convinced his party would overcome the electoral threshold and did not want supporters' votes to be wasted.
Gantz declined to endorse any specific candidate, urging voters to consider what would best serve the state when casting their ballots.
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