Benny Gantz confirms: He was offered positions in exchange for dropping out of the race

Benny Gantz confirmed on Saturday during the 'Meet the Press' program on Channel 12 that he had received offers for various positions outside the government and the Knesset in exchange for dropping out of the election race, as was first reported yesterday by Walla.

Gantz stated: 'There are people who come with all sorts of ideas on their own behalf or on behalf of others.' He further added:

'Am I looking for a job?! Whoever tells me to be an ambassador — aren't you ashamed? Aren't you ashamed?! Don't you know what I have at home? What do I have to deal with? How are you sending me overseas? How does such an idea even cross your mind? Stop with such ideas, I am not looking for a job. The last thing I am interested in is for someone to find me a job.'

According to the report by Walla, behind these offers lies an assessment by figures within the bloc that Gantz will find it difficult to recover in the polls and pass the electoral threshold. At the same time, Blue and White possesses significant financial resources by virtue of having served in the Knesset, and the bloc would like to see the party's infrastructure and resources directed in favor of other parties in the bloc, such as that of Chili Tropper.

A senior official in the bloc explained the move:

'Gantz was Chief of Staff and Defense Minister. They want to give him an opportunity to retire with dignity. It is a pity that Gantz refuses.'

Blue and White responded: 'There was no such offer and there is nothing to offer. Gantz continues his mission to unite the parties of the third bloc and is working to establish a broad Zionist government that will know how to deal with the country's challenges and lead to peace among us.'