Benny Gantz Announces Party's Withdrawal From Knesset Elections

Gantz, a former IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister, emphasized that his withdrawal is not an exit from political life. He stated he will continue to fight for a Zionist, cross-bloc unity government, which he believes is the only solution to prevent further disaster and protect Israel from internal and external challenges. Sources within the party explained that the timing of the announcement, eight days before the election, was chosen to prevent IDF soldiers from wasting their votes on his list when military polling stations open.

Despite Gantz's announcement, the party's ballots will still appear at polling stations on election day unless all 39 candidates on the slate submit individual resignation letters to the Central Elections Committee by Wednesday. If even one candidate fails to resign, the ballots will be distributed, potentially causing voter confusion. Gantz is reportedly now aiming to run for the presidency of Israel, according to Channel 14, though his associates have denied claims of political retribution or coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The withdrawal prompted mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Left-wing and centrist leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Yoaz Hendel, and Yair Lapid, welcomed the decision as a responsible move to consolidate the change bloc. Conversely, right-wing politicians expressed alarm. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that votes for smaller right-wing parties polling near the threshold could be wasted, urging them to withdraw to prevent a left-wing victory. Despite the pressure, Ofer Winter's People of Israel party stated it would continue its campaign.