MK Eitan Ginzburg urges Netanyahu to lead Benny Gantz’s proposal for a temporary unity government focused on rescuing hostages, legislating conscription, and ending the war.
MK Eitan Ginzburg (Blue and White) on Sunday called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to embrace party leader Benny Gantz’s proposal to form a national unity government, warning that rejecting it would prove Israel’s leadership has “exhausted every political tool.”
“This proposal is precisely what Israel requires — to bring back the hostages, to end the war, and to legislate a conscription law,” Ginzburg told Kan Reshet Bet. “If Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects it, it will be clear that we exhausted every political tool available to us.”
Ginzburg framed the plan as an act of responsibility in a national crisis:
“There may be political criticism of Benny Gantz’s declaration, but we are speaking about 50 hostages who were taken from their homes. We will do everything possible to bring them back. That is the goal of this proposal.”
Still, he stressed that success depends on broader opposition cooperation: “We will not move forward alone. The mandates are not sufficient. If others do not respond, the proposal will not be relevant.”
Gantz’s Plan: A Six-Month “Hostage Redemption Government”
Speaking Saturday night from Kfar Maccabiah, Gantz called for a temporary emergency government to last six months, culminating in new elections. His outline includes three central goals:
- Secure the release of hostages through an agreement.
- Pass an equal service framework, including haredi enlistment, to ease the burden on reservists.
- Schedule the next elections for spring 2026.
“Our hostages are in danger. Their time is limited. At the same time, our soldiers and reservists are collapsing under the strain,” Gantz warned.
He appealed not only to Netanyahu but also to opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman to join the effort.
At the same time, Gantz sharply criticized the current government:
“Let there be no mistake — I believe this government is unfit and must be replaced through democratic elections. This initiative is not in favor of the government; it is necessary because of the government. The government divides the people, fails to achieve victory, and has not brought about the return of the hostages.”
Directing his remarks at Netanyahu, he added:
“In the face of blackmail, I present a responsible national alternative. Embrace it. There is a large majority among the public and in the Knesset for the outline I presented. It is time for the political leadership to connect with the people.”
