Gantz withdraws from Knesset race and calls for unity government

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz said he will not run in the election for the 26th Knesset. In his evening statement, he said he had failed to persuade enough voters and would continue working for unity.

In his evening address, following his withdrawal announcement at midday, Gantz said he had made the decision with a heavy heart and out of responsibility. He accepted responsibility for his party's insufficient support but made clear he was not abandoning his public mission.

Gantz urged party leaders to form a Zionist unity government spanning political blocs. He warned that continued division could lead to another election or disaster. This was his political assessment, rather than a statement of an expected development.

The decision followed published polls showing his party below the electoral threshold. Gadi Eisenkot welcomed the move, describing it as responsible. This report is based on the text of Gantz's statement and the responses published by Kikar HaShabbat.