Analysis Gantz's Time Runs Out, and Netanyahu No Longer in a Rush to Form 'Emergency' Government
Minutes before a unity coalition agreement was to be signed, Netanyahu demanded control of appointing judges. The two sides have had no contact since
Benny Gantz
Benny Gantz, the Israel Defense Forces’ 20th chief of general staff, is the founder and current head of the Hosen L’Yisrael, or Israel Resilience, party.
Gantz was born in 1959 in Kfar Ahim, a moshav in south-central Israel. He was drafted into the Israeli military in 1977, where he served in the Paratroopers Brigade. In 1979, Gantz graduated Bahad 1, the military’s Officers School, and returned to the Paratroopers Brigade, where he served as a platoon, company, and battalion commander.
Gantz went on to occupy several commanding posts, including of the Israel Air Force’s elite Shaldag unit, the Paratroopers brigade, the Judea and Samaria Division and of the Northern Command.
During his service, Gantz obtained a Bachelor’s degree in History from Tel Aviv University, a Master’s degree in Political Science from University of Haifa, and a second Master’s degree in National Resources Management from the National Defense University in the United States.
Gantz was named the IDF chief of general staff in 2011, replacing Gabi Ashkenazi, a post in which he served until 2015. During his tenure, Gantz promoted Orna Barbivai to major-general, making her the first woman in the military’s general staff. During his term Gantz also commanded the military during the 2014 Gaza war.
Since retiring from the military, Gantz co-founded a social movement called Pnima.
In 2018, Gantz announced that he would run in the Knesset general election, establishing Hosen L’Yisrael. In his first and only public remarks, Gantz criticized the controversial Nation-State Law, vowing to amend it to emphasize equality and the special connection between Israel and its Druze minority.
Gantz Says He Wants Unity With Likud, but Not ‘At Any Price’
Knesset speaker says the two sides were very close to an agreement, but negotiations were halted after Netanyahu’s envoys demanded to interfere with the body that appoints judges to Israeli courts
Netanyahu, Gantz Agree on West Bank Annexation Proposal as Unity Deal Nears
After lengthy meeting, Gantz's Kahol Lavan says talks were halted over proposed changes to appointment of judges
Opinion Netanyahu's Annexation Ploy Sacrifices Israel's War on Coronavirus to the Idol of Settlements
Just when it will need U.S. and world's goodwill more than ever, Jerusalem is set to spit in their faces
Gantz to Ask President Rivlin for Extension in Forming Government
In a phone call with the president, Kahol Lavan chairman said he expects that he will request an additional two weeks to form a government after the Passover holdiay
Analysis Gantz Wants a Six-month Coronavirus Government, Netanyahu Wants Annexation
With Joe Biden possibly the U.S. president come January 20, many Likudniks think it's now or never for a West Bank land grab
Netanyahu and Gantz Meet, Issue Joint Statement on ‘Progress’ Toward Unity
After their meeting at the Prime Minister's Residence, the two instructed their negotiation teams 'to try and finalize a coalition agreement as soon as possible'
Netanyahu to Keep PM's Residence After Gantz Replaces Him, Draft Coalition Deal Shows
Draft coalition agreement calls for taxpayers to fund residences for both PM and his deputy ■ Gantz's party says he intends to remain in his own home after becoming prime minister
'A Huge Disappointment': Gantz’s Double Dealing With Netanyahu Sends Israel’s Arab Voters Into Despair
A minority center-left government headed by Kahol Lavan would have won key concessions for the Arab community, but the former army chief allegedly opted for 'the politics of contempt'
Analysis Gantz Broke the Israeli Left's Heart; Labor Leader Stuck a Dagger in It
Their intention to join forces with Netanyahu has left the so-called Zionist left defeated, deserted, despondent and facing imminent demise
Justice Ministry and Knesset Speaker Among Last Hurdles in Netanyahu-Gantz Negotiations
Netanyahu and Gantz plan to have a unity government sworn in before Passover, but negotiations have been stalled by the coronavirus epidemic and key appointments
Following Gantz, Labor Chairman to Join Netanyahu-led Unity Government
Amir Peretz will become Economy and Industry Minister, fellow Labor lawmaker Itzik Shmuli will head the Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services Ministry
Analysis The Word 'Magician' Hardly Describes Netanyahu's Stunning Achievement
His magic, as in countless other occasions during his long career, was mixed with something else – destiny
Analysis Israel’s Edge: Netanyahu-Gantz Superstorm Distracts From Coronavirus Dread
The national unity government’s first achievement is to split Israel’s body politic in all directions
Shin Bet: Incitement Against Gantz Is Like What Preceded Rabin's Assassination
Despite initial reluctance from Justice Minister Ohana to provide Kahol Lavan leader with protection by the service, a ministerial committee consented to the move
After Gantz Moves to Join Netanyahu's Government, His Party Officially Splits
Knesset approves Yesh Atid and Telem's split from Kahol Lavan, while some lawmakers switch factions over unity talks
Gantz’s Party Likely to Get Defense, Justice Portfolios in Netanyahu Government
Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc to retain health and finance portfolios; Gantz to become prime minister in September 2021, according to likely coalition agreement
Netanyahu, Gantz Say Progress Made in Unity Talks, Aim to Agree on Terms Sunday
The two will promote a bill allowing Netanyahu to stay in government after his turn as premier ends in October 2021