Benny Gantz Launches Aggressive Political Campaign Against Former Allies
Benny Gantz has launched a fierce political campaign against former allies Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot, warning of potential coalitions with Arab parties.
Political insiders view the recent series of disclosures and attacks by Benny Gantz, leader of Hachol Lavan, as a calculated revenge campaign against former allies after he was left on the sidelines. According to political sources, Gantz, who found himself marginalized following the dissolution of the joint alliance, is waging a systematic campaign exposing what he terms "the truth about his former partners' plans," targeting Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot.
Speaking at a recent conference, Gantz declared that Lieberman and Bennett would form a government with Arab parties and push for Eisenkot to take the premiership. He intensified his rhetoric the following day, warning against what he called a dangerous narrow coalition with Ahmad Tibi. Gantz also recalled past political maneuvers from 2020, claiming Lieberman pushed hard for a government backed by the Joint List, and today added that contacts continue between Eisenkot and Arab parties.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Within the political arena, analysts interpret Gantz's moves as an effort to prevent rivals from forming a government should his own party fail to clear the electoral threshold. Reports within the center-left bloc suggest coordination between Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to undermine potential coalitions.
"He joined Netanyahu to bring us down and prevent us from forming the next coalition," a senior official within the bloc stated.
Responses from Lieberman and Netanyahu
Avigdor Lieberman strongly rejected the accusations, countering with personal attacks and questioning what Gantz stands to gain from echoing Netanyahu's narrative. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embraced Gantz's remarks, stating that Lieberman has repeatedly sought to establish governments reliant on factions such as Balad.
Political sources indicate that the timing is far from coincidental. As former allies urge Gantz to withdraw from the electoral race, he is fighting back to exact a political price, while Gantz's inner circle insists his warnings address genuine political risks.
