Gantz Withdraws from Election Race, Netanyahu Courts Right-Wing Support
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Benny Gantz announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset elections, urging political responsibility. Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly set to secure Donald Trump's endorsement, which the Likud party believes could add two seats. Netanyahu is also expected to pledge a ministerial role for Itamar Ben-Gvir in his next government. Meanwhile, the IDF has implemented an unusual travel ban for soldiers and reinforced troops in Judea and Samaria ahead of the elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz withdrew from the Knesset election race, citing insufficient public support.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to receive a boost from Donald Trump's endorsement, potentially adding two seats.
- Netanyahu is reportedly committed to appointing Itamar Ben-Gvir as a minister in his next government.
- The IDF announced an unusual travel ban for soldiers and reinforced forces in Judea and Samaria.
- A new poll indicates the right-wing bloc has strengthened to 62 Knesset seats.
- Gadi Eisenkot's campaign is facing criticism for sending letters resembling military draft notices.
Eight days before Israel's 26th Knesset elections, Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, announced his withdrawal from the race, citing a lack of sufficient public support. At a press conference, Gantz stated, "With a heavy heart and out of responsibility, I have decided tonight to remove my candidacy for the 26th Knesset." He urged party leaders to "put aside old concepts and not succumb to old factionalism" to prevent further division or disaster.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, upon hearing of Gantz's decision, called on small right-wing parties to also withdraw from the race to prevent the left bloc from gaining strength. Meanwhile, reports from Channel 14 suggest that Donald Trump's public endorsement of Netanyahu could add approximately two Knesset seats to the Likud party. Political analyst Shlomo Filber noted that Trump's support, particularly his offer to help resolve the Iranian issue, could sway undecided centrist voters.
Further developments include a reported commitment from Netanyahu that Itamar Ben-Gvir will serve as a minister in his next government, aimed at solidifying support among right-wing voters. In an interview, Netanyahu addressed concerns about potential pre-election security escalations by Iran and its proxies, stating he had instructed security forces to act against the Iranian regime. He also clarified that Trump's endorsement was unsolicited and without any quid pro quo.
Separately, Gadi Eisenkot's campaign has drawn criticism for sending letters resembling IDF draft notices to young people, prompting the Likud party to file a petition against it. In response to the ongoing security tensions, the IDF announced an unusual travel ban for soldiers starting Thursday and reinforced forces in Judea and Samaria as part of preparations for election day.
A Channel 14 poll released Monday evening shows the right-wing bloc strengthening to 62 seats, with Likud gaining to 30 seats. In a hypothetical prime ministerial race, Netanyahu leads Eisenkot.
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