Blue and White Faces Internal Pressure as Gantz Negotiates Alliance with Ayelet Shaked

As the deadline for submitting election lists approaches, Blue and White party faces intense internal pressure due to polling data showing difficulty in surpassing the electoral threshold. Reports from Channel 13 reveal a tense recent meeting led by party chairman Benny Gantz with his faction members, who demanded clarity on their political future and a clear decision on whether to unite with other forces or withdraw from the race. A party insider stated that members insisted on a concrete action plan and transparency.

Simultaneously, Kan News reported that Gantz is in advanced talks to form an alliance with former Justice and Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked. Shaked could join as the number two on the joint list, bringing candidates such as Rabbi David Stav, David Ben-Zion, and Raanan Shavot. Gantz requires all new partners to officially commit to not supporting a narrow government for either political side.

If finalized, Shaked would replace Dedi Simchi as the second candidate on the list. Simchi is reportedly considering leaving the partnership with Gantz for a reserved spot on the Likud list. Earlier reports indicated Shaked held talks with the parties of Gilad Erdan and Yariv Adelistain, but those did not materialize. Raanan Shavot was also mentioned as a potential ally but ultimately did not join Erdan and Adelistain's faction.