Full Breakdown
Benny Gantz Withdraws from Israel’s Oct. 27 Knesset Race, Raising Stakes for Small Parties
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Withdrawal and Immediate Electoral Impact
Former IDF chief and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz announced on Monday that he will not run in the October 27, 2026 election. The decision was made on the eve of early voting for soldiers, prompting concerns that any votes cast for Blue and White would be wasted.
Background & Context
Blue and White, founded in 2018, has moved between opposition and coalition roles, joining Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack and exiting in June 2024 over Gaza-war disagreements. Repeated elections since 2019 have left the party fragmented; by late 2026 it was polling at roughly 1.2 %—about 40,000 votes, far short of the threshold for a Knesset seat.
Data & Statistics
An internal poll of 800 Jewish respondents found:
- Blue and White at 1.2 % (? 40,000 votes).
- 24.2 % of its voters would move to Ofer Winter’s People of Israel party, potentially adding ? 10,000 votes.
- 31.1 % were undecided about a new party.
- 17.6 % would shift to Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, 9.4 % to the Reservists-Economic Party, 9 % to Likud, and 8.7 % to Yair Golan’s Democrats.
These figures suggest Winter’s party, currently polling for four to five seats, could cross the threshold if a sizable share of Gantz supporters migrate there.
Official Statements & Responses
Gantz framed the move as a responsibility to avoid wasting votes.
Yadi Eisenkot thanked Gantz, calling the decision “correct and responsible” and expressing confidence that Gantz will continue contributing to Israeli security. Yair Golan’s Democrats echoed the sentiment, emphasizing a shared duty to secure a “change bloc” victory. Yoaz Hendel urged former Blue and White voters to join the Reservists-Economic Party, arguing it is the only path to a Zionist government. Winter’s People of Israel party thanked Gantz for his service and asserted that the party remains the sole right-wing home for voters unwilling to rely on United Torah Judaism’s “61st vote.”
Criticism & Opposition
Right-wing ministers seized on Gantz’s exit to pressure other small parties. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar urged right-wing parties below the threshold to “show responsibility for the nation of Israel and for the land of Israel.” Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi echoed the call for right-wing parties to follow Gantz’s example.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am still convinced that our path is the right one—the need for a Zionist, cross-bloc unity government is greater than any person or party, and it is the only solution in the face of the challenges, the dangers and also the opportunities facing the people of Israel,” — Benny Gantz
- “I will not run in the upcoming elections – I will continue to fight for unity. This is the only solution that will prevent another disaster and protect Israel against all challenges at home and abroad.” — Benny Gantz
- “Show responsibility for the nation of Israel and for the land of Israel,” — Gideon Sa’ar, foreign minister
What’s Next
The October 27, 2026 election remains scheduled, with early voting for soldiers already underway. Parties are expected to intensify outreach to former Blue and White supporters in the final days before the poll. Analysts note that the redistribution of roughly 40,000 votes could determine whether People of Israel, the Reservists-Economic Party, or other marginal lists clear the threshold, potentially reshaping the composition of the 120-seat Knesset.