Benny Gantz: I wasn't in his camp, but in moments of trial he stood by the state | Dr. Eitan Lesri

Dr. Eitan Lesri, a former subordinate of Benny Gantz, writes an opinion piece following Gantz's withdrawal from the elections. Lesri, who is not among his supporters, examines Gantz's decisions during the COVID-19 crisis and the October 7 war, arguing that despite his political failures, his willingness to bear national responsibility in times of emergency should be recognized.

Dr. Eitan Lesri, a former subordinate of Benny Gantz in the Paratroopers Brigade and an expert in government and public policy, writes an opinion piece following Gantz's announcement of his withdrawal from the Knesset race. Lesri states that he was never in Gantz's political camp and often disagreed with his path, but seeks to distinguish between criticism of his political approach and recognition of actions worthy of appreciation. The article focuses on two national tests: the COVID-19 crisis in spring 2020, when Gantz joined a unity government with Netanyahu in exchange for the position of alternate prime minister and defense minister, and the October 7, 2023 attack, when he joined the war cabinet. Lesri argues that in both cases, Gantz chose national responsibility over partisan politics, even at a heavy personal and political cost. However, he sharply criticizes Gantz's failure to translate the message of unity into stable political power and the lack of a clear strategic vision. Lesri calls for public discourse that judges decisions by their circumstances rather than by the political identity of the decision-maker.