Israeli Prime Minister’s Rival, Benny Gantz, Meets with U.S. Leaders to Discuss Gaza War
In a significant development in Israeli politics, Benny Gantz, the top political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently in Washington to meet with U.S. leaders and discuss the ongoing war in Gaza. Gantz, a centrist politician and a key member of Israel’s War Cabinet, has seen a surge in popularity in recent times and is now considered a potential candidate for the prime ministerial position. This meeting with U.S. leaders is seen as a crucial step in shaping the country’s future.
Gantz, 64, joined Netanyahu’s ultranationalist and religious government shortly after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7th. The aim was to foster a sense of national unity as Israel faced the challenge of combating Hamas in Gaza. As a former military chief of staff, Gantz brought valuable experience and leadership to the government. His public support has skyrocketed, with polls indicating that he would secure enough backing to become the prime minister if elections were held today. In contrast, Netanyahu’s popularity has plummeted, with many Israelis holding him responsible for failing to prevent the Hamas attack, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians.
However, Gantz’s trip to Washington has not been without controversy. Netanyahu publicly rebuked him, highlighting the growing rift between the two political rivals. It is widely anticipated that Gantz will leave the government once the intense fighting in Gaza subsides, signaling an end to the period of national unity. This is likely to reignite mass anti-government demonstrations that were prevalent before the Hamas attack.
While Gantz’s departure would not lead to the collapse of the government, it could intensify pressure on Netanyahu’s deeply unpopular coalition to hold early elections. Gantz has been a prominent political rival of Netanyahu for the past five years. His decision to join Netanyahu’s coalition came at a time when Israel was deeply divided due to months of protests against proposed changes to the country’s legal system. As a member of the influential War Cabinet, Gantz has played a moderating role in the far-right government.
Gantz has been vocal about the cause of the approximately 250 hostages taken into Gaza, advocating for their release despite opposition from some members of the Cabinet due to potential costs for Israel. He has also worked towards strengthening Israel’s alliance with the United States, which has been a crucial source of diplomatic and military support during the war.
Heading the National Unity faction in parliament, Gantz entered politics in late 2018 after a distinguished four-decade military career. His entry into politics marked the beginning of a period of political instability in Israel, with the country going to the polls five times in less than four years, each election serving as a referendum on Netanyahu’s suitability for office amidst corruption charges. Initially refusing to serve under Netanyahu, Gantz eventually joined a short-lived coalition led by the Prime Minister in an attempt to stabilize the political landscape during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after being ousted in one of the elections, Netanyahu returned to power in late 2022, forming a government consisting of both West Bank settlement supporters and opponents of Palestinian statehood.
Gantz has previously served as defense minister, overseeing limited military operations in Gaza. In 2021, he faced criticism for outlawing six prominent Palestinian rights groups, citing alleged militant links. Despite being vague about his stance on Palestinian statehood, Gantz has taken steps to demonstrate his openness to the idea, including holding meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his tenure as defense minister.
As Benny Gantz engages in discussions with U.S. leaders in Washington, the outcome of these meetings could have far-reaching implications for Israel’s future. With his rising popularity and potential to become the next prime minister, Gantz’s role in shaping the country’s policies and alliances cannot be underestimated. The Israeli public eagerly awaits the outcome of these discussions and the subsequent impact on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.