Benny Gantz Negotiates to Include Ayelet Shaked as No. 2 in Unified Party List

Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White party, is in talks to form a political alliance with Ayelet Shaked, who would serve as the number two on their joint list. Shaked plans to bring several of her associates into the unified list, including Rabbi David Stav, David Ben-Zion, and Raanan Shavot. Gantz is currently seeking assurances that all of Shaked's supporters will commit to not joining a narrow government coalition with either side. Previously, Shaked held discussions with the parties of Amir Ohana and Yariv Levin, but those talks did not materialize. Raanan Shavot was also mentioned in those earlier negotiations but ultimately did not join Ohana and Levin's faction. If Shaked joins Gantz, she is expected to replace Dedi Simchi as Gantz's number two. Simchi, who was Gantz's running mate in the upcoming elections, is reportedly considering leaving the partnership for a reserved spot in Likud, as reported last week by Kan News. Meanwhile, Amir Ohana is set to announce a new right-wing party alongside Yariv Levin, excluding Gantz and Shaked. Gantz commented on his polling status, saying, "I have a public; it just doesn’t know it yet."