Lior Ashkenazi Hints at Leaving Eretz Nehederet After 2026 Season
Acclaimed actor Lior Ashkenazi hints that the 2026 season of Eretz Nehederet will be his last, discussing his satirical role as Benny Gantz and predicting a political exit.
Is Lior Ashkenazi's long-running stint on Eretz Nehederet coming to a close? The acclaimed Israeli actor hinted that the upcoming 2026 season of the hit satirical show will likely be his last, reflecting on his role as political figure Benny Gantz.
Speaking on Guy Peleg's All in podcast, Ashkenazi explained how his comedic journey on the show began as a short-term gag mimicking Gantz's silent entry into politics. What was initially expected to be a brief appearance surprisingly turned into a multi-season fixture.
Despite poking fun at extravagant campaign spending, Ashkenazi stressed that he holds no personal animosity toward Gantz, describing him as a fundamentally decent person with good intentions. However, he offered a bold political prediction to the host.
"A week before the elections, he is stepping down. I sign my name on that, okay? A week before, he quits," Ashkenazi stated, adding that the campaign currently employs many people. When asked if Gantz's campaign stems from naivety, Ashkenazi firmly rejected the notion: "He is not stupid, I do not believe he is genuinely stupid—the man was IDF Chief of Staff."
