Benny Gantz Defends Record and Warns of National Division in 103fm Interview

In a tense interview on 103fm with journalists Yinon Magal and Ben Caspit, Chairman of the National Unity party and former defense minister Benny Gantz addressed his political future, the ongoing war, and the failures surrounding October 7.

Accountability and the October 7 Legacy

Gantz took full responsibility for his decision to join the emergency government in the wake of the October 7, 2023 massacres, rejecting any attempts to shift the blame to others, including MK Gadi Eisenkot.

"I do not pass the buck. I woke up on October 7 and decided we were entering the government... The responsibility is mine alone," Gantz stated during the broadcast.

He also clarified his stance on anti-government protests, noting that his presence at Hostages Square was driven by solidarity with the families rather than partisan politics. Regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gantz emphasized that while he strongly criticizes the government's handling of hostage negotiations, the ultimate blame for the captivity lies squarely with Hamas.

Warnings of National Division

Gantz delivered a sharp critique of current political discourse in Israel, warning that politicians are failing to learn the necessary lessons from the tragedy.

• Failing to adapt: Gantz argued that Israeli society is still behaving as it did on October 6, 2023, rather than confronting current security and social realities.

• Ceremonial polarization: He strongly condemned the proliferation of divided memorial ceremonies for the victims of October 7, urging the public to stop the factionalism.

• Democratic right: Addressing questions about his party's polling numbers, Gantz affirmed his democratic right and national duty to run in upcoming elections, stating he will assess his political viability honestly.

"The state is fracturing and you are repeating the same mistakes," Gantz warned, calling for national unity before it is too late.