Gantz Expected to Run With Dedi Simchi in Joint Political Move

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz and former Fire and Rescue commissioner Brig. Gen. (res.) Dedi Simchi are expected to announce in the coming days that they will run together in the next election.

According to a report on Kan 11 News, the official declaration of the joint run could come as early as tomorrow. However, the two are currently waiting for answers and developments from additional political figures before finalizing the agreement.

The move would give Gantz a new political framework as Blue and White continues to struggle in the polls and, in recent surveys, fails to cross the electoral threshold. For Gantz, joining forces with Simchi could be an attempt to rebuild momentum and present a broader public-security-oriented list ahead of the election.

Simchi, a former senior IDF officer and former head of Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service, has been mentioned in recent months as a possible political player. His entry into a joint run with Gantz would add a security and emergency-services profile to the slate.

In response to the report, Simchi said there is not yet anything official to announce.

“I work without boycotts and without disqualifications, but there is still nothing to announce,” he said.

Blue and White issued a similar response, saying that Gantz is speaking with all relevant political actors.

“Gantz is talking to everyone,” the party said. “The time has come to put an end to boycotts.”

The expected announcement comes amid continued reshuffling in the center and opposition blocs, as parties try to position themselves before the final election lists are submitted. For Gantz, the decision may determine whether he remains an independent political force or folds into a broader alliance designed to keep him in the next Knesset.