Gantz Withdraws From Knesset Race, Citing Soldier Voting Concerns

Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, has unexpectedly announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset election race earlier than anticipated. The decision, according to party sources cited by Maariv, was made after extensive consultations and deliberations with party members. Despite internal polls showing a slight improvement, Gantz felt it was insufficient to continue his campaign, concluding that he lacked a realistic opportunity to advance his agenda of unity in the Knesset.

The timing of the announcement was deliberate. Gantz did not want soldiers to vote for him if he was not participating in the elections. Voting stations were scheduled to be set up at IDF outposts across various sectors the following day. The National Unity Party emphasized that Gantz is not leaving politics and intends to continue working towards unity, though he will not endorse any prime ministerial candidate at this stage.

Sources within the "Am Israel" party stated that Gantz has cleared the path for them, positioning "Am Israel" as the only party, alongside Gantz's previous stance, that does not support boycotting Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc. These sources also indicated that in-depth polls suggest Gantz's supporters are leaning towards "Am Israel."

Previously, about a month prior, Maariv reported that Gantz had told colleagues he would make a final decision on running or withdrawing around the time ballot papers were printed, approximately ten days before the election. This statement came amid pressure for him to withdraw, as the National Unity Party had been failing to cross the electoral threshold in several recent polls. Party bloc members feared that votes for them would not translate into seats, thus diminishing the bloc's chances of changing the government.