Benny Gantz
Benjamin "Benny" Gantz is an Israeli politician and retired army general. He served as a minister without portfolio from 2023 to 2024, as the minister of defense between 2020 and 2022, and as deputy prime minister between 2021 and 2022. From 2020 to 2021, he was the alternate prime minister.
Standing...
Stories...
Sep 2, 2026
Lean Left
National Unity party holding rallies against judicial reform while avoiding full opposition coordination.
Seen as useful on security but suspect for hedging, with Labor/Meretz wanting clearer commitment to democratic checks.
Aug 31, 2026
Lean Left
Gantz's National Unity party is positioning itself as a centrist alternative, possibly joining a unity government if the coalition collapses.
Meretz views him with suspicion, believing his centrism would still enforce occupation and ignore Palestinian rights, while Labor sees him as a possible partner for a moderate coalition.
Aug 30, 2026
Far Right
Gantz met with Gilad Erdan to discuss a potential alliance, presenting his conditions for cooperation.
For Religious Zionism, Gantz is a dangerous centrist whose deal could split the right and empower a left-wing government, especially with Eisenkot as a possible prime minister.
Aug 30, 2026
Center
Gantz insisted he remains top candidate in merger talks with Ardan's party, refusing to yield first place.
Yesh Atid views Gantz's stubbornness as self-defeating, risking center-right fragmentation that could hand the election to Likud.
Aug 30, 2026
Lean Left
National Unity head is under pressure to join anti-overhaul protests but has been cautious, preferring parliamentary maneuvers.
Meretz and Labor activists criticize Gantz for not taking a firm stand against the far-right, viewing his caution as enabling the coalition.
Aug 29, 2026
Lean Left
Head of National Unity party who has been vocal in opposing the judicial overhaul, but also draws fire for not preventing government excesses when he was in the coalition.
Labor/Meretz critics view Gantz as a security hawk who is unreliable on civil rights, and his past coalition partnership with Netanyahu undermines his credibility as an opposition leader.
Aug 27, 2026
Center
Named in reports of reunification talks with former partner Chili Tropper and new allies Ayelet Shaked and Gilad Erdan.
Yesh Atid views this as a desperate move by a fading centrist to pass the electoral threshold, abandoning principles for survival.
Aug 27, 2026
Far Left
National Unity leader Gantz is wavering on joining protests, sparking accusations of opportunism from the left.
Hadash sees Gantz as a centrist who lacks commitment to structural change, prioritizing personal ambition over social justice.
Aug 26, 2026
Center
Blue and White's collapse accelerates as MKs consider an ultimatum, accusing Gantz of holding them 'hostage' and leading the party to destruction.
Yesh Atid criticizes Gantz for failing to capitalize on opportunities to unseat Netanyahu, wasting political capital that could have strengthened the center bloc.
Aug 26, 2026
Lean Left
National Unity leader navigates being in the war cabinet while opposing judicial overhaul, drawing mixed reactions from the left.
Left appreciates his support for the protest movement but distrusts his hawkish security stance and willingness to work with Netanyahu.