Gantz Quits Knesset Race, Leaving 14 Million Shekels in Campaign Funds Uncertain
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, withdrew from the Knesset elections eight days before the vote, jeopardizing 14 million shekels in state campaign funds. The party was entitled to an advance, but repayment is uncertain if they don't enter the Knesset. Gantz's exit follows months of poor polling and internal party issues.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz withdrew his National Unity party from the Knesset elections eight days before the vote.
- Approximately 14 million shekels in state campaign funds are now uncertain.
- The funds were an advance meant to be repaid through future state financing.
- National Unity had been consistently failing to cross the electoral threshold in polls.
- Opposition factions feared lost votes for Gantz's party would hurt the left-wing bloc.
Benny Gantz, the leader of the National Unity party, has withdrawn from the upcoming Knesset elections just eight days before the vote, raising questions about the fate of approximately 14 million shekels in state funds allocated for his party's campaign. According to calculations based on party financing units, National Unity was entitled to this advance. If the party fails to enter the next Knesset, recovering these funds, which are meant to be repaid through future state financing, could become problematic. Israeli law permits parties to receive 85% of their allocated campaign funding in advance, with the possibility of receiving remaining annual state financing as well. It remains unclear whether National Unity received the advance or how much of it was spent on the campaign. Gantz's decision comes after months of polls consistently showing his party failing to cross the electoral threshold. The party also faced internal departures and pressure from opposition factions concerned that votes for National Unity would be lost, potentially hindering the formation of a left-leaning government.
