'I can unite the camps': Gantz tells 'Post' that gov. should exclude radicals, Ben-Gvir - interview

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz believes the upcoming Israeli government must unite moderate Zionist parties and sideline extremists, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Gantz called for a broad coalition that includes parties from both the current government and the opposition.

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My goal ultimately is to not have Ben-Gvir and other extremists dictating Israel’s future; they need to and will be returned to the political margins.

"My goal ultimately is to not have Ben-Gvir and other extremists dictating Israel’s future; they need to and will be returned to the political margins," Gantz stated. He emphasized that a broad Zionist government would unite responsible, moderate lawmakers to address critical issues such as security, universal service, a constitution, and public education.

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A broad Zionist government means uniting the responsible, moderate Zionist MKs around the key decisions Israel can no longer postpone: security, service for all, a constitution, and public education.

However, Gantz drew a clear line at including haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties in the next government. He argued they would not agree to a fair enlistment law or a public national education system that includes core curriculum subjects. Gantz also expressed his opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continuing in office, stating, "Netanyahu should not continue as prime minister, and I will not give him his 61st vote." He believes Israel requires new leadership and a broad government, not a narrow coalition reliant on extremists.

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The haredi parties can’t be part of the next government because they won’t agree to a fair enlistment law and public national education for all [teaching core curriculum subjects].

Addressing a potential partnership with Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar Party, Gantz described their disagreement as strategic rather than personal. He urged Zionist parties to avoid blanket boycotts to prevent the formation of a "disastrous government" after the elections. Gantz criticized Netanyahu for prioritizing his coalition's survival over leading the country, especially with ongoing challenges from Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza.

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Netanyahu should not continue as prime minister, and I will not give him his 61st vote.