Change Bloc Pressures Benny Gantz to Withdraw Amid Poor Poll Numbers
Senior figures in the Israeli change bloc are pressuring Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to withdraw from the election race over dismal poll numbers, sparking sharp political and financial disputes.
Senior figures within the "change bloc" have decided to exert heavy pressure on Blue and White chairman MK Benny Gantz to withdraw from the race and exit the political arena, arguing that he is the main obstacle to the bloc's victory in the upcoming elections. Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot clarified that the change bloc consists of only four parties—Yashar!, BeYachad, Yisrael Beytenu, and The Democrats—and that any vote for another party is effectively a vote for Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gantz previously refused to commit to securing 61 mandates for his former senior partner Eisenkot or for the prime minister. Following dismal poll numbers that consistently show him failing to cross the electoral threshold, the change bloc resolved to apply intense pressure to force his withdrawal.
Accusations of Personal Motivations and Financial Waste
A senior change bloc official accused Gantz of being driven by personal considerations: "Gantz is motivated by personal frustration over his political standing. As far as he is concerned, there is no problem with Netanyahu continuing to serve as the next prime minister."
A source close to Gantz strongly rejected the claims, arguing that the message of a broad unity government and agreements will ultimately lead to the establishment of a wide Zionist government. "Nothing will help—Gantz is running all the way," the source said.
MK Yulia Malinovsky (Yisrael Beytenu) claimed that the issue also has a financial dimension. "Gantz's run is not only pathetic but also a waste of Israeli citizens' money," she stated.
« Gantz and anyone with eyes in their head see the polls and know the situation—there is not a chance in the world that the Blue and White party will cross the electoral threshold. And yet Benny Gantz is going to waste 15 million shekels of public party-funding money on advertising and PR, knowing he has no chance. »
Malinovsky hinted at public money laundering, noting that while it may not be criminal, it is "very dirty" and benefits various interest groups.
Blue and White Responds and Internal Dissension
Blue and White number two, MK Pnina Tamano-Shata, fired back, stating that the anti-democratic mind-control attempt by the change bloc against Gantz continues. "Whoever does not fall in line gets their head chopped off," she said, adding that Blue and White represents the sane voice seeking unity.
In an official response, Blue and White stated:
« To all the 'senior figures of the change bloc,' who on October 7—while babies were slaughtered, women raped, and our brothers bled in the south—made 'personal' calculations of how not to bleed mandates, it is recommended to do a deep soul-searching and look in the mirror before handing out advice to others. »
Recent weeks have also seen internal turmoil, with MK Yael Ron Ben Moshe resigning and warning that Gantz is harming the bloc. Reports indicate that remaining MKs are considering issuing an ultimatum if polling fails to improve, accusing Gantz of holding them hostage to his personal whims.
