Yoaz Hendel Discusses Polls and Gantz Exit Ahead of Knesset Vote
With one week until the Knesset elections, Yoaz Hendel discussed his party's polling and Benny Gantz's withdrawal in a Channel 12 interview, which was cut short over election laws.
With exactly one week left until the 26th Knesset elections on October 27, political leaders are intensifying their campaigns. Former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel, heading the "Reservists and Economy" list alongside Prof. Yaron Zelecha, appeared on Channel 12 to discuss his party's polling and Benny Gantz's recent withdrawal from the race.
Polling Discrepancies and Gantz's Exit
Recent polls show mixed results for Hendel's list. While a Channel 12 survey placed the party below the electoral threshold at 2.1%, a Channel 13 poll showed them clearing the threshold with four mandates. Responding to the Channel 12 numbers, Hendel dismissed the outlier data, stating that all other surveys show them passing.
"He spent many years in the army, did a lot of things for the country, and even if I have disagreements with him, first of all we need to say thank you," Hendel said regarding Benny Gantz's departure.
Broadcast Restrictions and Election Rules
During the interview, Hendel attempted to appeal directly to former supporters of Gantz, stating that his faction is the only alternative in the political spectrum that refuses to sit with Netanyahu and the Haredi parties. However, anchor Oded Ben-Ami quickly interrupted him, citing strict Israeli election broadcasting laws that prohibit direct campaign appeals during the final week before voting.
