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Israelis embrace Gantz as Bibi's opposite

The level head and plain good luck that have accompanied Benny Gantz throughout his military career could now get the Blue and White leader into the premier’s seat.
Benny Gantz, leader of Blue and White, delivers a statement before his party faction meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel September 19, 2019. REUTERS/Amir Cohen - RC1D073452E0
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In terms of personality, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Blue and White chief Benny Gantz, are polar opposites. This week, the 20th chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces completed one of the most amazing and incredible journeys ever recorded in Israeli politics.

It began 60 years ago on a small cooperative farm in southern Israel, continued through religious primary schooling and yeshiva, followed by military service in the paratroopers and culminated, against great odds, in the top echelon of the IDF. Unlike previous political meteors, such as former IDF chief and Prime Minister Ehud Barak or Netanyahu himself, Gantz was never singled out as a leader destined for greatness and never displayed burning ambition. However, he kept moving up the ranks, often boosted by a tremendous dose of luck.

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