Benny Gantz and Allies Form New Political Party to Challenge Netanyahu in Israel’s Next Election
TEL AVIV — Israel’s political landscape shifted dramatically this week as former military chief Benny Gantz and a group of centrist allies officially launched a new political party, positioning themselves as the primary opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition. The move comes as Israel grapples with the ongoing war in Gaza, a deepening political crisis, and growing public dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership.
Gantz, who resigned from Israel’s war cabinet in June 2024 after clashing with Netanyahu over the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict, has emerged as the most prominent figure challenging the prime minister’s grip on power. His new party, National Unity (Hebrew: HaMahane HaMamlachti), aims to unite moderate factions under a single banner ahead of the next general election, which could be called as early as 2026.
“This is not just another political maneuver—it’s a necessary realignment for Israel’s future,” Gantz said in a press conference on Sunday, where he outlined the party’s platform. “We need a government that prioritizes security, unity, and responsible governance, not one that is held hostage by extremist agendas.”
Who Is Benny Gantz?
Benny Gantz, 66, is a retired lieutenant general who served as the 20th Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 2011 to 2015. His military career included command roles in key operations, including the 2014 Gaza War (Operation Protective Edge), and he is widely respected across Israel’s political spectrum for his leadership during times of crisis.
Gantz entered politics in 2018 with the launch of the Israel Resilience Party, which later merged with other centrist factions to form Blue and White (Hebrew: Kahol Lavan). In the 2020 and 2021 elections, Blue and White emerged as the primary challenger to Netanyahu’s Likud party, though Gantz ultimately joined a short-lived unity government with Netanyahu in 2020—a decision that drew criticism from supporters who saw it as a betrayal of his anti-Netanyahu stance.
His return to opposition in 2021 was followed by a brief but pivotal role in Netanyahu’s war cabinet following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Gantz’s resignation from the cabinet in June 2024 was a turning point, signaling his break with Netanyahu over the government’s refusal to adopt a clear post-war strategy for Gaza. His departure left Netanyahu increasingly reliant on far-right coalition partners, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have opposed ceasefire negotiations and advocated for a more aggressive military approach.
The New Party: National Unity
National Unity is not entirely new—it builds on the framework of Gantz’s previous Blue and White alliance but seeks to expand its appeal by incorporating defectors from other parties, including disillusioned members of Likud and the centrist Yesh Atid party. The party’s founding members include:
- Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF Chief of Staff and current Knesset member, who resigned from the war cabinet alongside Gantz in June 2024. Eisenkot, a respected military strategist, has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war and the hostage crisis.
- Pnina Tamano-Shata, Israel’s first Ethiopian-born government minister, who previously served as Minister of Aliyah and Integration. Tamano-Shata is seen as a key figure in broadening the party’s appeal to Israel’s diverse electorate, including Mizrahi and Ethiopian communities.
- Yair Lapid, the leader of Yesh Atid, has not formally joined National Unity but has signaled openness to cooperation. Lapid, a former prime minister, remains a major player in Israeli politics and could play a decisive role in any post-Netanyahu coalition.
The party’s platform, as outlined by Gantz, focuses on three core pillars:
- Security and Post-War Strategy: A clear plan for Gaza’s future, including demilitarization, reconstruction, and a political horizon for Palestinians—without Hamas in power. Gantz has criticized Netanyahu’s lack of a coherent post-war vision, arguing that military action alone cannot bring long-term stability.
- National Unity and Governance: Reducing political polarization and curbing the influence of far-right factions in the government. Gantz has called for electoral reform to reduce the fragmentation of Israel’s political system, which has led to repeated elections and unstable coalitions.
- Economic and Social Policy: Addressing the economic fallout of the war, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the strain on Israel’s social services. The party has proposed targeted economic relief for affected communities, particularly in the south and near the Gaza border.
Why This Matters: The Political Stakes
Gantz’s new party arrives at a critical juncture for Israel. The country is deeply divided over the war in Gaza, with public opinion split between those who support Netanyahu’s hardline approach and those who demand a ceasefire and a negotiated resolution to the hostage crisis. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in April 2024, 53% of Israelis believe the government has not done enough to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, while 47% support continued military operations in Gaza despite the humanitarian cost.
Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes ultra-Orthodox and far-right parties, has seen its approval ratings plummet. A Haaretz poll published on April 20, 2026, found that Likud would win just 22 seats in the Knesset if elections were held today—down from 32 in the 2022 election—while National Unity could secure 28 seats, making it the largest party in the legislature. However, forming a governing coalition would still require alliances with smaller parties, including Lapid’s Yesh Atid or the left-wing Labor Party.
Gantz’s challenge is not just to unseat Netanyahu but to offer a viable alternative to a public that remains deeply skeptical of political leaders. His military background and centrist stance could appeal to voters seeking stability, but his past alliance with Netanyahu—even briefly—has left some questioning his consistency. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s legal troubles continue to loom: he faces an ongoing corruption trial, and his political survival depends on maintaining the support of his right-wing base.
The Road Ahead: What Happens Next?
The timing of the next election remains uncertain. Under Israeli law, elections must be held by November 2026, but Netanyahu could call a snap election earlier if he believes it would benefit his coalition. However, with his popularity at historic lows, such a move could backfire.
For Gantz, the immediate priority is consolidating support and expanding National Unity’s ranks. Key milestones in the coming months include:
- Party Primaries: National Unity is expected to hold primaries in late 2026 to select its Knesset candidates, a process that could reveal internal divisions or strengthen its unity.
- Coalition Negotiations: If elections are held, Gantz will need to navigate complex coalition talks. His ability to attract defectors from Likud or other parties could determine whether National Unity can form a government.
- Public Debates: Gantz has challenged Netanyahu to a series of televised debates, a move that could either bolster his credibility or expose vulnerabilities in his platform.
- War and Hostage Negotiations: The outcome of the Gaza war and the fate of the remaining hostages will likely dominate the election campaign. Gantz has called for a renewed push to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal, positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative to Netanyahu’s hardline stance.
One wildcard is the role of the international community. The Biden administration has grown increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu’s government, particularly over its refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. A shift in U.S. Policy—such as conditioning military aid on progress toward a two-state solution—could further isolate Netanyahu and strengthen Gantz’s hand.
What This Means for Israel’s Future
The formation of National Unity reflects a broader realignment in Israeli politics, where traditional left-right divisions are being replaced by a new fault line: those who support Netanyahu’s hardline approach and those who seek a more pragmatic, centrist path. Gantz’s party is betting that the public is ready for a change after years of political instability, economic strain, and the trauma of the October 7 attacks.
However, the path to power is fraught with challenges. Netanyahu has proven adept at political survival, and his coalition partners are unlikely to relinquish power without a fight. Meanwhile, Gantz must convince voters that he can deliver on his promises—particularly on security, which remains the top concern for most Israelis.
For now, the launch of National Unity has injected a new dynamic into Israel’s political scene. Whether it will be enough to break Netanyahu’s 15-year grip on power remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the next election will be a referendum on Israel’s future direction.
Key Takeaways
- New Party Launched: Benny Gantz and allies have formed National Unity, a centrist party aimed at challenging Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition in the next election.
- Gantz’s Background: A former IDF Chief of Staff, Gantz previously led the Blue and White alliance and briefly joined Netanyahu’s war cabinet before resigning in June 2024 over disagreements on Gaza strategy.
- Platform Focus: The party’s priorities include a clear post-war plan for Gaza, reducing political polarization, and addressing economic fallout from the war.
- Political Stakes: Polls suggest National Unity could become the largest party in the Knesset, but forming a governing coalition would require alliances with smaller factions.
- Netanyahu’s Challenges: The prime minister faces declining approval ratings, legal troubles, and pressure from far-right coalition partners who oppose ceasefire negotiations.
- Next Steps: The timing of the next election remains uncertain, but Gantz’s party is positioning itself as a viable alternative to Netanyahu’s leadership.
The next official update on Israel’s political landscape is expected in September 2026, when the Knesset reconvenes after its summer recess. Until then, all eyes will be on Gantz and Netanyahu as they prepare for what promises to be one of the most consequential elections in Israel’s history.
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