Right 'sounds alarm' over Gantz withdrawal as Left consolidates ahead of elections
Gantz's withdrawal sparks warnings from Sa'ar and Smotrich over wasted right-wing votes, while left-wing leaders welcome the decision and rally ahead of the elections.
Israeli politicians from various parties reacted to the news that Blue and White leader Benny Gantz had withdrawn from the upcoming elections. Former party member and IDF deputy chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot praised Gantz for his responsible decision to withdraw from what was described as the most consequential elections since Israel's founding.
Democrats Yair Golan and Yoaz Hendel of the Reservists and Economic Party similarly commended Gantz's withdrawal, urging voters to support their parties instead. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar urged smaller right-wing parties polling below the electoral threshold to follow Gantz's lead and withdraw, warning that votes for such parties were at risk of being wasted and potentially benefiting the left-wing bloc.
Sa ar compared this to the 1992 elections, which saw the left-wing camp gain 61 seats after the loss of votes from three small right-wing parties, leading to the signing of the Oslo Accords.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- After announcing his withdrawal: Gantz's message to the Anti-Netanyahu bloc israelnationalnews.com
