Benny Gantz Withdraws from Israel Election Race

One week before elections to the 26th Knesset, Blue and White chairman and former IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced Monday afternoon that he is withdrawing his candidacy from the race. Gantz delivered a formal statement announcing his decision to step aside.

The full statement

"Good evening, citizens of Israel.

This evening, with a heavy heart and out of responsibility, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for the 26th Knesset. For nearly 50 years I have served the state as a soldier of Israel. I have never abandoned a battle, and even in the battle for unity I am not turning my back. I still believe with all my heart in the path I have walked from my first day in politics, a path of statesmanship and unity that places Israel before everything.

Many, many believe in this path and fight for it, and I am grateful to them for their partnership. Unfortunately, at this time I have not succeeded in convincing enough of the nation of our way, and the responsibility is mine. I am still convinced that our path is the right one. The need for a Zionist unity government that crosses blocs is greater than any person or party, and it is the only solution in light of the challenges and dangers, and also in light of the opportunities facing the people of Israel.

My decision this evening does not stem from abandoning the path. I have deep faith in what motivated me to embark on it in the first place. I am sorry that at this time, many in the political system see themselves and few see everyone.

I turn from here to the leaders of the public from all ends of the political spectrum, and for the first time in eight years I do this not as a political rival but as a citizen of the State of Israel: Do not return us to October 6th. Be brave enough to bring real and proper change. Put the old conceptions aside, and do not surrender only to the old camps. I warn you, if this does not happen, the nation will continue to be torn apart and we will reach repeat elections, or G-d forbid disaster.

The political reality has become a trap that deepens the rift in the nation and makes it difficult for us to open a new chapter in Israel's history. A chapter of shared responsibility out of faith that the vast majority of the nation seeks to be a partner in our covenant of fate.

On October 7, 2023, the heavens fell on the State of Israel, which for the first time since its establishment was under existential threat. At that time, when thousands of my people, my brothers and sisters, were slaughtered, when hundreds were kidnapped, when entire communities were conquered, I chose to enter under the stretcher.

Gantz's full statement this evening (Photo: Spokesperson)

I told my partners already that morning that I was doing this even knowing that there could be a heavy political price. But for me, every girl and boy who returned from captivity, every fighter who went into battle armed with the faith of Israel's unity, they are the supreme test of my actions. Therefore, even this evening, I have no regrets about the most important choice in my public life. And if G-d forbid I am required to do such an act in the future, I will do it again without any hesitation.

I grew up in a home with roots that carried the memory of the Holocaust and the journey of revival. A home, education, and military service that planted in me the DNA of a soldier who always shows up, even when the battle is hard. I will always be committed to placing the good of the state before any other consideration and to serving with love and pride the nation in which I grew up and served. The nation whose future I carry in my heart. The nation whose people, from all parts of society, I love, and from this love I will continue my mission. I will do this so that the sentence 'our strength is in our unity' will not remain just a faded sticker on a bench at a bus stop as a symbol of the beginning of the war.

My life's mission is to connect the parts of Israeli society and to help build a shared future, and I will do this in any way I can, so it was and so it will be.

My gratitude... my gratitude and my love without end are given first and foremost to my wife and my family members, my life's foundational partners and all my life's pride. Thanks also to all who walk with me on the path, my true friends, my dedicated and fighting team, my list members, veterans and new, the many activists and supporters who place their faith in me and invest their time and energy for the cause and for the state. I am proud of each and every one of them for their partnership on this path. A path we walked not for a position or office, and not in the name of this or that person, but in its name and for the sake of the State of Israel.

And the greatest thanks are given to you, citizens of Israel, that even in good days and especially in difficult days, I have the privilege to serve you. I have always been and will forever be a soldier of Israel before all."

The dramatic decision comes against the backdrop of polls published in recent days showing his party is not expected to cross the electoral threshold. Gantz convened his faction members less than an hour before the public announcement to update them on his decision.

According to reports, Gantz is not expected to announce public support for another candidate. Sources close to Gantz claim there was no involvement by bloc leaders in his decision to withdraw, and that he had planned to run until the end but promised to act responsibly, "and that is what he is doing now."

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot responded: "I thank my friend, Major General (ret.) Benny Gantz, for his correct and responsible decision to withdraw from the race in the most fateful elections since the establishment of the state. I am grateful for his many years of contribution to Israel's security and am confident he will continue to contribute to Israeli society going forward."

Democrats chairman Major General (ret.) Yair Golan joined the well-wishes: "Benny Gantz has once again proven his leadership and responsibility. This is a correct and courageous decision that places the national interest above personal interest."

Gantz campaign sign (Photo: Sharon Leibel/Flash90)

Pressure on Winter intensifies

Gantz's withdrawal accelerated public pressure within right-wing parties toward Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Amcha Yisrael" list, which in some polls does not cross the threshold. The Religious Zionism party issued a statement: "Gantz's withdrawal stems from his responsibility not to lose votes for the left bloc. Now, after the withdrawal, the left is perfectly organized in a way that no vote will be lost."

"In contrast, on the right there is this time complete irresponsibility on the part of Ofer Winter and other party splinters that are not approaching the threshold who insist on throwing votes in the trash and endangering the State of Israel with left-wing rule with terror supporters that will bring disaster upon us," the Religious Zionism statement read. "This is a real alarm. I call on Ofer and his colleagues to wake up and take responsibility."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a sharp call to the small right-wing parties: "When you hear the blessings of all the left-wing party leaders for Gantz's withdrawal decision, you understand that he withdrew in order to show responsibility to the left bloc and bring it to power. The left is now organized with zero vote waste. Unfortunately, on the right the situation is now completely opposite."

Smotrich addressed the "Amcha Yisrael" party specifically: "Ofer Winter and like him several other party splinters that have no chance in the world of crossing the threshold are gambling with the future of the State of Israel. I urge Ofer, his colleagues and all the party splinters, withdraw. Don't gamble on a Palestinian state, don't gamble on the Jewish identity of the State of Israel, don't gamble on security, don't gamble on the future of the State of Israel."

Likud Minister Karhi responded: "Gantz shows responsibility toward his friends on the left so as not to lose a single vote. The time has come for the right to wake up as well. If Winter withdraws, I will take my hat off to him." Minister Gideon Sa'ar also called on right-wing parties to withdraw from the race but did not mention specific names.