Pressure Mounts on Benny Gantz for Tri-Leadership with Smotrich and Edelstein Amid Election Delays

Benny Gantz faces growing pressure from his close associates to agree to a tri-leadership model with Dedi Smotrich and Yuli Edelstein as his new party struggles in the polls and delays its official launch. The proposal suggests Gantz remain the top candidate and senior minister if the party joins the government, but a small leadership forum of the three would hold exclusive authority over major decisions, coalition negotiations, and key Knesset votes.

Gantz currently refuses this arrangement, insisting on veto power and sole leadership over critical decisions, fearing Smotrich and Edelstein might support a Netanyahu-led government, contrary to his commitments. Party insiders warn that Gantz’s stance risks alienating Edelstein and pushing Smotrich toward Likud, especially as Smotrich has reportedly received last-minute offers from Netanyahu’s party.

The new party’s launch has been repeatedly postponed, partly due to failed negotiations with Yoaz Hendel and the Reservists’ Party. Hendel demanded a separate faction within the list to negotiate independently post-election, which Gantz and Smotrich rejected. Hendel later announced he would not join any government including ultra-Orthodox parties, contradicting the new party’s inclusive unity message. It was revealed Hendel coordinated behind the scenes with Hili Tropper to form a separate list, leading to accusations of bad faith and political sabotage from Gantz’s camp.

Currently, Gantz remains firm against the tri-leadership proposal, with fears that his refusal could cause Edelstein to decline joining and Smotrich to defect to Likud. The party’s future and its ability to compete in the 2026 elections remain uncertain as internal divisions deepen.