Benny Gantz is an Israeli lawmaker and current minister-without-portfolio, who currently leads the National Unity party.
He was born in Kfar Ahim, a moshav that his parents helped found. His mother was a Holocaust survivor and his father was arrested by British authorities for attempting to enter pre-state Israel.
Gantz was drafted to the IDF in 1977 and served in the 1982 Lebanon war. He also participated in Operation Solomon, a covert mission that rescued Ethiopian Jews in 1991.
After serving as the IDF's chief of staff, in 2018 Gantz announced the formation of a new political party, what would later become Blue and White. He would eventually become the country's defense minister before joining the opposition and then rejoining an emergency government due to the war against Hamas.
He earned a history degree from Tel Aviv University, a Political Science masters degree from Haifa University and a National Resource Management master’s degree from the United States National Defense University.
He and his wife, Revital, live in Rosh Ha’ayin.
The party leaders who participated in the meeting included the opposition leader, National Unity chairman, and Democrats chairman.
National Affairs | Netanyahu once cited wartime focus as the reason to delay; his shifting arguments reveal deeper concerns—not just about survival, but about how history will judge his leadership.
"He and we face many operational and ethical challenges. I am confident that he will lead the IDF in rebuilding after the largest disaster in our history," Lapid wrote.
"Bar must think the public is stupid," Ben-Gvir wrote, adding, "the Shin Bet itself was the one that blocked the worsening of conditions for terrorists in prison."
"I believe that an organization or a person who cannot stand up and face failure will find it very difficult to improve," he said.
Zamir came a close second to Halevi in the race for IDF chief in January 2023, but that pick was made by then-defense minister Benny Gantz.
He added that everyone must be returned, especially given that it is impossible to guarantee that those alive today will still be alive tomorrow.
Trump's plans to turn Gaza into a 'Riviera' were met with a split camp, with some praising his creativity, and others trying to return the focus back to the hostages.
Zamir came a close second to Halevi in the race for IDF chief in January 2023, in a pick made by then-defense minister Benny Gantz.
Coalition tensions over the hostage deal, budget deadline, and haredi draft converge to create the perfect political storm for the Israeli government.
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