New Party Courts Benny Gantz's Former Voters After His Exit

The Reservists and Economics party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Professor Yaron Zelekha, is actively seeking to attract voters and activists left without a political home following Benny Gantz's withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset race. This strategic move comes after the party recently gained support from figures like Idan Amadi and other celebrities who announced they would vote for them. According to party sources, prominent field activists who previously worked for Gantz's Blue and White party have shifted their allegiance to the Reservists and Economics party since Gantz's departure.

Last week, Hendel and Zelekha met with leaders of the Blue and White party's Ethiopian community desk, who pledged their support for the upcoming elections. Additionally, other activists have registered to volunteer at polling stations on behalf of the party. The party is also focusing some of its paid promotional efforts on audiences identified as Gantz voters.

Sources within the party have also revealed that they approached Gantz, requesting a public endorsement of Hendel. They argued that Hendel is the only candidate capable of ensuring the formation of a Zionist government not dependent on Haredi and Arab parties. Gantz announced his withdrawal from the 26th Knesset race last week, urging political leaders from across the spectrum to form a unifying Zionist government and warning against deepening societal divisions. He took responsibility for his decision, stating that he had not managed to convince enough people of his path, but remained convinced that the need for a broad, unifying government was paramount. Gantz emphasized that his withdrawal did not signify a retreat from his principles, criticizing the current political system for prioritizing self-interest over the collective good.