Gantz didn't fail because he's a good person, he failed because he performed poorly - editorial
Israel needs good people in politics. It also needs those people to make wise political decisions.
Benny Gantz's decision to withdraw from the election on Monday appears to confirm a harsh truth: it's the cunning, manipulative, and dishonest politicians who tend to succeed in Israeli politics. As a genuinely good person, Gantz's character played a significant role in gaining political prominence in 2019, even though many were unaware of his stance on major issues. However, his good nature didn't propel him to victory at the polls.
Gantz's political journey from pre- to post-October 7 demonstrates the impact of poor political decisions. During the 2023 judicial reform battle, he balanced strong opposition with a willingness to negotiate, garnering public support and rising to 29 Knesset seats by October 6. When Israel faced its most severe existential threat in 50 years, Gantz joined Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency government, recognizing the need for unity. This decision paid off, with his party surging to 41 seats and becoming the largest in the country.
However, Gantz's party subsequently fractured, leading to his withdrawal from the government in June 2024. While his decision had political consequences, it weakened the connection between his message of unity and his actions. The gap between his message and actions widened as the deadline for submitting party lists approached, and his refusal to join forces with others seeking unity ultimately accelerated his political decline.
Despite his decades of service and the responsibility demonstrated by joining the government, his withdrawal serves as a reminder that political judgment, not just decency, is crucial for success in Israeli politics.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
