Blue and White leader Benny Gantz may join Netanyahu’s coalition to break the deadlock on a hostage exchange, setting conditions on draft reform and a time-bound initiative.
In a dramatic political twist, Blue and White Party leader MK Benny Gantz is preparing to outline conditions for joining the government in order to secure a hostage exchange deal. Gantz will hold a press conference Saturday night, where he is expected to demand a time-bound initiative for the return of hostages and a resolution to the military draft crisis.
The move comes amid internal resistance, as far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have signaled opposition to any hostage release agreement. Until now, opposition parties have mainly offered a parliamentary “safety net” to enable Netanyahu to pass a deal without fracturing his coalition — but Gantz is now considering direct participation in the government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to finalize his stance on the mediators’ proposal submitted earlier this week.
Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid also weighed in, urging Netanyahu to act without hesitation:
“You have from me a safety net of 24 votes for any hostage deal. You don’t even have to give anything in return — just bring them home.”
The potential entrance of Gantz into the coalition could dramatically shift Israel’s political landscape — and may determine whether the long-stalled hostage deal finally moves forward.
