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

The next government must bring together moderate Zionist parties from across the political spectrum and exclude extremists such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz told The Jerusalem Post in a recent interview.

Gantz has been calling for a "broad Zionist government" to bring together parties in both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc and in the opposition, calling for "one wide moderate coalition" to be formed after the October 27 elections.

“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 told the Post, arguing that he could work to unite the camps.

“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," he added.

While underscoring the importance of a broad Zionist government, Gantz drew a red line to sitting in a coaltion with the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties.

“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]," he said.

“The day the haredi MK’s agree to those terms - come ask me again,” he said.

What is coming up for the Blue and White party as Israel nears elections?

The Blue and White Party has failed to clear the electoral threshold in recent polls. 

Gantz has served in two unity governments under Netanyahu, and has been criticized for his back-and-forth approach.

When asked if he would sit in a government led by Netanyahu, Gantz said that his stance regarding the premier was that “ Netanyahu should not continue as prime minister, and I will not give him my 61st vote.”

“Israel needs new leadership and a broad government, not another narrow coalition dependent on extremists,” he added.

When asked whether he would join a government led by Netanyahu’s rival Gadi Eisenkot, who heads the Yashar Party, Gantz said that their differences were not personal.

Eisenkot had been Gantz's second-in-command before leaving the party to establish Yashar ahead of the elections.

“Regarding a partnership with Gadi, who is a friend and a worthy leader, my disagreement is not personal but strategic,” he said.

“If Zionist parties continue imposing blanket boycotts on one another, we may wake up after the election with the same disastrous government. I hope Gadi joins the effort to prevent that,” he added.

Sharply criticizing Netanyahu, Gantz said he believed the prime minister is “managing the survival of his coalition, instead of leading the country.”

“Israel faces continuing challenges in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza, while the IDF warns of a serious personnel shortage - only a broad Zionist government can effectively tackle those issues. “

“The government remains hostage to Ben-Gvir’s extremism and the haredi parties’ veto over conscription,” he added.

“Israel cannot confront historic threats with a government built around political survival. We need leadership capable of uniting and strengthening the country from within.”

Gantz also noted that he was not seeking to build the political framework of a broad Zionist government “merely to cross the threshold.”

“We are building the force that will determine the character of Israel’s next government.”

“ Political arrangements often mature close to the deadline for submitting the lists. I have put ego aside before and done what's best for Israel many times, and I will do whatever is necessary to bring a broad Zionist government across the finish line,” he added.

When asked about other parties that have called for a broad Zionist government, such as the new Unity Party led by former Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan and The Zionist Home-The Reservists party led by Chili Trooper, Gantz said he welcomed their remarks.

"Gilad and Chili are good people with good intentions, and I welcome their recognition that Israel needs a broad Zionist government,” he stated.

“This is the path we set out more than six months ago, and it is encouraging that others are now joining it. We do not claim ownership over the idea of unity - we intend to turn it into a government,” he added.

Regarding whether Gantz was considering political alliances with Brig.-Gen. (res.) Dedi Simchi amid reports of a joint run between the two, he said that he had “great respect for him.”

“He is an important partner. We are speaking with a range of serious people who could contribute to the broad Zionist framework we are building. Partnerships like these must be based on shared values, experience and the ability to serve the country - not on daily political speculation,” he added.

Gantz broke down some of the main aspects that his party was seeking to advance if part of the next coalition, stating that the party would work to “restore Israel’s internal strength and public cohesion so that we can meet the security challenges of the coming decade.”

He said the party also planned on passing “a fair conscription law based on service for all, strengthen the IDF, advance a constitution and guarantee a strong public education system.”

Gantz also said that his plans were to “rebuild effective cooperation with the US."

He called for reducing Israel’s dependency on the US while continuing to bolster regional partnerships.

“Israel needs a government focused on the country’s future - not one consumed by its own survival,” he added.