Gantz: Post-Oct. 7, Israel’s future depends on a broad, moderate, Zionist government - opinion

Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White Party and former defense minister, argues in an opinion piece that Israel's future hinges on forming a broad, moderate Zionist government after the October 7, 2023 attacks. He warns of internal division, weakened global ties, rising antisemitism, and the outsized influence of radical minority factions, specifically citing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Gantz calls for a coalition from the responsible right to the responsible left, based on shared principles like defending the country, preserving Israel as Jewish and democratic, and rejecting racism and political violence. He also emphasizes the importance of the US-Israel alliance and regional normalization through the Abraham Accords.

In an opinion piece published ahead of Israel's October 27, 2026 election, Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White Party and former defense minister, argues that Israel's future depends on forming a broad, moderate Zionist government. Gantz writes that three years after the October 7, 2023 attacks, Israel faces serious threats including a decline in global standing, rising antisemitism, a weakening connection with Jewish communities abroad, and a paralyzing internal divide. He criticizes the current political system for giving radical minority factions outsized influence beyond their public support, specifically citing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's rhetoric as damaging to Israel's standing. Gantz calls for a government stretching from the responsible right to the responsible left, built on shared principles including defending the country, preserving Israel as Jewish and democratic, respecting the rule of law, and rejecting racism and political violence. He warns that the US-Israel alliance cannot be held hostage to partisan politics and that American Jews should not have to support every Israeli minister to demonstrate their support for Israel. Gantz also advocates for regional normalization through the Abraham Accords and a regional architecture connecting Israel, the United States, and moderate Arab and Muslim countries.