Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s worst nightmares came true on Jan. 29, as Benny Gantz, former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, became his number one election rival. Gantz defied preliminary expectations and exuded a persuasive presence, revealing his stripes as a true leader during a speech at Tel Aviv’s Convention Center. Television stations broadcast Gantz for 21 consecutive minutes in prime time, which for Netanyahu probably seemed like eons.
The speech was followed moreover by substantive televised discussions, highlighting the importance of the event. It all ended with an additional unwelcome surprise for the current prime minister: Another former IDF chief of staff is joining forces with Gantz for the April 9 elections. Thus, Netanyahu finds himself facing Moshe Ya’alon, his former defense minister and leader of the new party Telem, as well as his former chief of staff in Gantz on one ticket.
