Gantz does not commit to withdrawing if he does not pass: "It's irrelevant, we will cross the electoral threshold"

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz refused on Monday to commit to withdrawing from the race if his party continues not to pass the electoral threshold in the polls. In an interview at the National Security Conference of "Yedioth Ahronoth" and the INSS, Gantz claimed that the question is "irrelevant" and expressed confidence that his party will strengthen as the elections approach.

"There is an audience of hundreds of thousands who identify with what I am saying, — Gantz said. — There is an audience in religious Zionism that identifies with what I am saying, and there is a liberal audience that is fed up with the war of the blocs. We will cross the electoral threshold, people will be confident enough in this, this positive momentum will develop, and we will serve the people of Israel."

Gantz was asked repeatedly why he continues to run, despite Blue and White's situation in the polls, and if he would be willing to serve as number two on another list. "I think I bring a great deal of experience — security, military, political, governmental, and personal — and I have something to offer the public, — he replied. — I established this system, I lead it, and I will continue to lead it. I do not rule out mergers." According to him, this is not about personal insistence but about a determination to promote the idea of a unity government. "I identify the need, and I know that either we will be with each other or we will not be at all, — he said. — I intend to save the country. If we do not succeed in creating this unity, our fate is in doubt."

Gantz confirmed that he met with Brig. Gen. (res.) Dadi Simhi, against the backdrop of contacts for a possible political merger. "We are in excellent contact. If you really want, we even met today before I came to you," he said. When asked if a merger is on the table, he replied: "We are working, and we will announce when we want to announce." He also referred to the meetings he held with MK Yuli Edelstein and Ayelet Shaked, noting that he continues to act both to promote his concept and to forge mergers.

"Netanyahu is the father of division and failure"

Gantz was asked if he would prefer Gadi Eisenkot or Benjamin Netanyahu to head a unity government, and he refrained from declaring who he would support. "The people will decide," he said. However, he harshly attacked Netanyahu and called on him to end his term. "Netanyahu is responsible for the greatest failure that has occurred in the State of Israel in terms of security and policy on October 7, — Gantz said. — He is responsible for the situation where society is torn apart. He is the father of this division and failure." Alongside this, he added that he is not prepared to continue the policy of political boycotts: "We need to let the public decide. The public will decide, but I think Netanyahu should end his term."

Gantz confirmed that he met with Shin Bet head David Zini, and said that he trusts him professionally. "I met with him, I saw him work, — he said. — He is at the beginning of his path and has a lot to learn. I hope he succeeds." When asked if Zini is suitable for his position, Gantz replied that the decision on his appointment has already been made and now he must be helped to succeed.

"The campaign against Iran will continue"

In the security part of the interview, Gantz said that Israel has reached significant achievements against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, but warned that the situation is still unstable. According to him, Israel's enemies have been severely damaged, but the country is still tense on all fronts and suffers from a lack of military, political, and economic "stamina."

"It looks like a still image, but the problem is that it is a video movie and things are developing, — he said. — Our situation is better in the sense that our enemies are damaged, but it is not stable. Our strategic backing is low, we do not have enough stamina in terms of recruitment, soldiers, the burden on reservists, and the impact on the economy." Gantz estimated that the campaign against Iran will continue over time and in a "series of blows." According to him, moves must be planned in coordination with the United States and the countries of the region, both on the offensive and defensive levels, against Iran and its proxies.

Regarding US President Donald Trump, he said that he is an "authentic and true friend of the State of Israel," but emphasized that he also acts out of the interests of the United States and his own personal political considerations. When asked what grade he gives Netanyahu for managing the war, Gantz said that the Prime Minister "failed completely in entering it." According to him, Israel's military achievements are to the credit of the IDF and the security establishment, but Netanyahu failed in creating the necessary political and social envelope.