Benny Gantz has pulled out of Israel's election race. The former army chief and defence minister said on Monday he will not run in the October 27 vote. He said he will "continue to work for unity".
His party, Blue and White, was polling below the 3.25 percent needed to enter the 120-seat Knesset. Gantz, 67, was expected to hold a news conference later on Monday.
🔍 The Backstory
Gantz was once the main opposition leader. He joined a unity government with Netanyahu from 2020 to 2021. After the October 7, 2023 attacks, he joined the war cabinet that oversaw the war in Gaza.
He quit that cabinet in June 2024. At the time he said Netanyahu was blocking the path to "true victory". His exit now removes a familiar name from the race.
🎯 Why It Matters
With Gantz out, voters who want to replace Netanyahu have fewer choices. It may make it easier for the prime minister to win another term.
Benny Gantz has pulled out of Israel's election race. The former army chief and defence minister said on Monday he will not run in the October 27 vote. He said he will "continue to work for unity".
His party, Blue and White, was polling below the 3.25 percent needed to enter the 120-seat Knesset. Gantz, 67, was expected to hold a news conference later on Monday.
Gantz was once the main opposition leader. He joined a unity government with Netanyahu from 2020 to 2021. After the October 7, 2023 attacks, he joined the war cabinet that oversaw the war in Gaza.
He quit that cabinet in June 2024. At the time he said Netanyahu was blocking the path to "true victory". His exit now removes a familiar name from the race.
With Gantz out, voters who want to replace Netanyahu have fewer choices. It may make it easier for the prime minister to win another term.