Benny Gantz

Benjamin Gantz was born in Kfar Ahim, Israel, in 1959, which his parents helped settle. He was an only child.{{cite web |last1=Greenbaum |first1=Avraham Dov |title=A Member of a Generation of Believers - Hamodia.com |url=https://hamodia.com/2019/01/01/member-generation-believers/ |website=Hamodia |access-date=31 January 2024 |date=1 January 2019 |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131143640/https://hamodia.com/2019/01/01/member-generation-believers/ |url-status=live }}

His mother Malka (née Weiss, {{langx|hu|Margit Weisz}}, 1928–2009){{cite web |title=Malka Gantz |url=https://www.geni.com/people/Malka-Gantz/6000000012570236698 |website=Geni |access-date=31 January 2024 |date=5 February 1928 |archive-date=6 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306092854/https://www.geni.com/people/Malka-Gantz/6000000012570236698 |url-status=live }} was a Holocaust survivor, a survivor of Bergen-Belsen,{{cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Gil |title=Who's afraid of Benny Gantz? |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/whos-afraid-of-benny-gantz-553182 |access-date=31 January 2024 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=1 May 2018 |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131144047/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/whos-afraid-of-benny-gantz-553182 |url-status=live }} originally from Mezőkovácsháza, Hungary.{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/holocaust-remembrance-day/israel-commemorates-holocaust-remembrance-day.premium-1.513837|title=Israel commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day|last=Aderet|first=Ofer|date=8 April 2013|work=Haaretz|access-date=9 April 2013|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924155556/http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/holocaust-remembrance-day/israel-commemorates-holocaust-remembrance-day.premium-1.513837|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/in-auschwitz-israeli-army-chief-vows-to-prevent-a-second-holocaust/|title=In Auschwitz, Israeli army chief vows to prevent a 'second Holocaust'|last1=Winer|first1=Stuart|last2=Shmulovich|first2=Michael|date=8 April 2013|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=9 April 2013|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630024737/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-auschwitz-israeli-army-chief-vows-to-prevent-a-second-holocaust/|url-status=live}}

His father Nahum Gantz Ostolish (1926–2005){{cite web |title=Nachum Gantz |url=https://www.geni.com/people/Nachum-Gantz/6000000012570238386 |website=Geni |access-date=31 January 2024 |date=29 July 1926 |archive-date=6 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306092853/https://www.geni.com/people/Nachum-Gantz/6000000012570238386 |url-status=live }} came from Sovata ({{langx|hu|Szováta}}), in the more ethnically-Hungarian part of Transylvania, Romania, where his parents were Munkatsher Hassidim, a Haredi sect founded in Mukachevo ({{langx|yi|מונקאטש|Munkatsh}}), Transcarpathia, then Hungary, now Ukraine. He survived the Dragomirești Ghetto, Auschwitz, Harzungen and Woffleben^[de], sub-sub-camps of Buchenwald.{{cite web |title=Testimony of Gantz Nachum Ostolish, born in Sacel, Romania, 1926, regarding his experiences in the Dragomiresti Ghetto, Auschwitz, Harzungen, Woffleben and other places |url=https://collections.yadvashem.org/en/documents/4442526 |publisher=Yad Vashem |access-date=31 January 2024 |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131174115/https://collections.yadvashem.org/en/documents/4442526 |url-status=live }} Ostolish migrated to Palestine on the Arlozorov, an illegal aliyah ship. British authorities in Palestine arrested Ostolish for trying to enter the country illegally. He was an active member of the Labor Party and at one point a possible Knesset candidate. He served as the mapainik (local representative of the Mapai party), a head of the moshav movement, and the community’s baal toke'a, blowing the shofar (ram's horn) on Rosh Hashana.

His parents were among the founders of Moshav Kfar Ahim, a cooperative agricultural community in south-central Israel.{{cite web|url=https://www.inn.co.il/News/News.aspx/215490|title=גנץ ונתניהו נפגשו והתחברו למקורות ולשורשים|website=ערוץ 7|date=14 February 2011|access-date=13 June 2018|archive-date=31 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531134229/https://www.inn.co.il/News/News.aspx/215490|url-status=live}} In his youth, he attended the Shafir High School in Merkaz Shapira, and boarding school at the HaKfar HaYarok youth village in Ramat HaSharon.

According to his father, Benny Gantz was not religious and chose not to serve as the baal toke'a and does not know the Gaavad (chief rabbi of a rabinnical court) of Komemiyut (a nearby town in the Negev), but continued in his father's Zionist beliefs serving in the military, and holds "close to his heart" the memory of the Holocaust which Benny stated was present, "there, in the experience of the house".

Gantz is a graduate of the IDF Command and Staff College and the National Security College. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from Tel Aviv University, a master's degree in political science from the University of Haifa, and an additional master's degree in National Resources Management from the National Defense University in the United States. Gantz is married to Revital, with whom he has four children. He lives in Rosh HaAyin.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/benny-gantz-netanyahu-rival-campaign-launch-speech-full-english-transcript-1.6892617|title=Benny Gantz, Netanyahu Rival, Gives Campaign Launch Speech – Full English Transcript|date=30 January 2019|work=Haaretz|access-date=30 January 2019|language=en|archive-date=30 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130134951/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/benny-gantz-netanyahu-rival-campaign-launch-speech-full-english-transcript-1.6892617|url-status=live}}

In February 2011, following the government decision to promote Gantz to Chief of the General Staff, Attorney Avi'ad Vissuli of the Forum for the Land of Israel unsuccessfully petitioned to revoke the appointment.{{cite web |url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART2/209/295.html?hp=1&loc=2 |script-title=he:פנייה ליועץ: פסול מינוי גנץ בשל עבירות בנייה |first=Noam |last=Sharvit |date=7 February 2011 |publisher=NRG (Ma'ariv) |language=he |trans-title=Petition to the Attorney General: Revoke Gantz's Appointment in Light of Building Violations |access-date=7 February 2011 |archive-date=20 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920075330/http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART2/209/295.html%3Fhp%3D1%26loc%3D2 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://glz.co.il/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsId=77125 |script-title=he:המטה למען א"י נגד האלוף גנץ |first=Dana |last=Tzuk |date=7 February 2011 |publisher=GLZ (Army Radio) |language=he |trans-title=The Forum for the Land of Israel V. Major General Gantz |access-date=7 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719204714/http://glz.co.il/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsId=77125 |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}

In February 2019, an Israeli-American woman accused Gantz of exposing himself to her 40 years earlier, causing her traumatic disorders.{{cite news |title=Gantz accused of sexual harassment by Israeli woman living in US |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5471302,00.html |work=Ynetnews |date=28 February 2019 |language=en |access-date=11 July 2019 |archive-date=23 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023084101/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5471302,00.html |url-status=live }} Gantz denied all allegations, claiming that such an incident never took place, and that the allegations were politically motivated.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Gantz-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-as-teen-Ill-never-forget-his-eyes-581951|title=Gantz rejects sexual misconduct allegations, 'This is a blood libel'|date=28 February 2019|website=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920080833/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Gantz-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-as-teen-Ill-never-forget-his-eyes-581951|url-status=live}} Gantz has since sued the woman for defamation.{{cite news|title=Benny Gantz files libel suit against woman who accused him of sexual harassment when they were teens|url=https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/benny-gantz-files-libel-suit-against-woman-who-accused-him-of-sexual-harassment-when-they-were-teens|publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|first=Marcy|last=Oster|date=28 February 2019|access-date=29 December 2022|archive-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119050341/https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/benny-gantz-files-libel-suit-against-woman-who-accused-him-of-sexual-harassment-when-they-were-teens|url-status=live}}

File:Benny Gantz, 1978.jpg

Gantz was drafted into the IDF in 1977. He volunteered as a paratrooper in the Paratroopers Brigade. His first mission as a young conscript in 1977 was as part of the security detail for Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's visit to Israel.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium.MAGAZINE-the-general-coming-to-end-the-netanyahu-era-in-israel-1.6875029|title=The General Coming to End the Netanyahu Era|last=Pfeffer|first=Anshel|date=28 January 2019|work=Haaretz|access-date=28 January 2019|language=en|archive-date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525085039/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium.MAGAZINE-the-general-coming-to-end-the-netanyahu-era-in-israel-1.6875029|url-status=live}} As a paratrooper, he fought in Operation Litani in March 1978 and also participated in a June 1978 raid against a Fatah training base in Lebanon. In 1979, Gantz became an officer after completing Officer Candidate School. He returned to the Paratroopers Brigade and served as a platoon leader and company commander, completed a course in the U.S. Army Special Forces, and fought in the First Lebanon War.Gal Perl Finkel, [https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/When-good-commander-doesnt-equal-a-good-politician-582791 "When good commander doesn't equal a good politician"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308082519/https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/When-good-commander-doesnt-equal-a-good-politician-582791 |date=8 March 2019 }}, The Jerusalem Post, Mars 7, 2019.

File:IDF Paratroopers UNIT. XX.jpg during a Paratroopers Brigade exercise, 1996.]]

Later on, he led 890 "Efe" (Echis) paratroop battalion in counter-guerrilla operations in the South Lebanon security zone.Gal Perl Finkel, [https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Importance-of-IDF-Ground-Forces-in-new-army-appointments-581282 "Importance of IDF Ground Forces in new army appointments"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214020309/https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Importance-of-IDF-Ground-Forces-in-new-army-appointments-581282 |date=14 December 2019 }}, The Jerusalem Post, 21 February 2019. In 1991, he commanded the commando unit that was on the ground in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for 36 hours, securing the Operation Solomon airlift of 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. He served in senior command positions during the Second Intifada and Second Lebanon War.

In the course of his military career, Gantz served as commander of the Shaldag Unit in the Israeli Air Force; commander of the 35th Paratroopers Brigade;Avihai Becker, [http://www.haaretz.com/generally-sensitive-1.46966 Generally Sensitive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114145305/https://www.haaretz.com/generally-sensitive-1.46966|date=14 November 2017}}, Haaretz, 24 April 2002. commander of the Reserves Division in the Northern Command; commander of the Lebanon Liaison Unit; commander of the Judea and Samaria Division in 2000, before becoming the commander of the Israeli Northern Command in 2001; and as Israel's military attaché in the United States from 2005 until 2009, before becoming the deputy chief of the General Staff.{{cite press release|url=http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/appointments/09/07/1201.htm |title=New deputy chief of the General Staff Appointed |publisher=IDF Spokesperson's Website |date=12 July 2009 |access-date=10 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309165419/http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/appointments/09/07/1201.htm |archive-date=9 March 2012 }}[https://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/587010.html "IDF chief announces new appointments to General Staff"] from Haaretz{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Google cache version

File:Benny Gantz, Chief of General Staff.jpg

Following the canceled appointment of previous nominee Aluf Yoav Galant, Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced on 5 February 2011 that he would be recommending to the government that Gantz be appointed the 20th Chief of the General Staff (after the pending approval by the Turkel Advisory Committee on Senior Appointments and a government vote).{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4024149,00.html |title=Gantz set to be named 20th IDF chief |work=Ynet |first=Hanan |last=Greenberg |date=5 February 2011 |access-date=6 July 2011 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213727/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4024149,00.html |url-status=live }} Gantz had already been in the process of an honorable discharge from his army service.

On 13 February 2011, the Israeli government unanimously approved Gantz to be the next IDF chief of staff.{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/benny-gantz-becomes-idf-s-20th-chief-of-staff-1.343094 |title=Benny Gatz becomes IDF's 20th chief of staff |first=Barak |last=Ravid |work=Haaretz |date=13 February 2011 |access-date=6 July 2011 |archive-date=16 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216071441/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/benny-gantz-becomes-idf-s-20th-chief-of-staff-1.343094 |url-status=live }} According to The Jerusalem Post, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem that Gantz was an "excellent officer and experienced commander, and had rich operational and logistical experience, with all the attributes needed to be a successful army commander".{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=207994 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=13 February 2011 |access-date=6 July 2011 |first=Herb |last=Keinon |title=Gantz appointment as IDF chief sails through cabinet |archive-date=28 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628235258/http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=207994 |url-status=live }}

On 14 February 2011, Gantz returned to the IDF and assumed command as the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. He served for the required three years and was nominated for a fourth year, which he agreed to fulfill, followed by retirement.

File:Benny Gantz in fire practice area at Golan Heights, September 2012. I.jpg, 2012]]

In his first year as Chief of the General Staff, Gantz appointed the IDF's first-ever female major-general, Orna Barbivai.{{cite news|title=Newly Appointed Head of the Personnel Directorate, GOC Northern Command, GOC Home Front Command|url=http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/05/26/newly-appointed-head-of-the-personnel-directorate-goc-northern-command-goc-home-front-command/|access-date=1 June 2011|publisher=IDF Spokesperson's Unit|date=26 March 2011|quote=Brig. Gen. Orna Barbivay will be promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Head of the Personnel Directorate, replacing Maj. Gen. Avi Zamir, who will end his service in the IDF.|archive-date=30 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530000228/http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/05/26/newly-appointed-head-of-the-personnel-directorate-goc-northern-command-goc-home-front-command/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Israeli military appoints first female major general |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1641741.php/Israeli-military-appoints-first-female-major-general |access-date=1 June 2011 |newspaper=Monsters and Critics |date=26 May 2011 |agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur |location=Tel Aviv |quote=The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has promoted the first female major general in its 63-year history, a military spokesman announced Thursday night. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624085509/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1641741.php/Israeli-military-appoints-first-female-major-general |archive-date=24 June 2011 }} In July 2011, Gantz appointed a special committee to address a controversy that had developed concerning mention of the word Elohim, "God", in the military Yizkor prayer. The committee determined that a disputed passage should read Yizkor 'Am Yisrael, "May the Nation of Israel remember", and not Yizkor Elohim, "May God remember". Gantz upheld the committee's ruling.{{cite news|last=Katz|first=Yaakov|title=IDF panel keeps God out of Yizkor prayer|url=http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=232494|access-date=17 August 2011|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=4 August 2011|quote=The IDF will retain the original wording of the Yizkor memorial prayer with 'Yizkor Am Yisrael' (May the People of Israel Remember), and not 'Yizkor Elohim' (May God Remember), a military committee tasked with ruling on the issue announced on Thursday.|archive-date=17 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817171234/http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=232494|url-status=live}}

Gantz commanded the IDF when it fought against Palestinian factions in Gaza in the campaigns Operation Pillar of DefenseYossi Arazi and Gal Perl Finkel, [http://www.inss.org.il/uploadImages/systemFiles/Integrating%20Technologies%20to%20Protect%20the%20Home%20Front%20against%20Ballistic%20Threats%20and%20Cruise%20Missiles.pdf "Integrating Technologies to Protect the Home Front against Ballistic Threats and Cruise Missiles"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004204853/http://www.inss.org.il/uploadImages/systemFiles/Integrating%20Technologies%20to%20Protect%20the%20Home%20Front%20against%20Ballistic%20Threats%20and%20Cruise%20Missiles.pdf |date=4 October 2016 }}, Military and Strategic Affairs, Volume 5, No. 3, December 2013. and Operation Protective Edge.

Benny Gantz (right) meets with General [[Martin Dempsey (left), Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2012| thumb]]

File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Chief of Staff Makes a Surprise Visit to Training Bases.jpg

Gantz was the chairman of the Fifth Dimension, a computer security and law enforcement technology company, which specialized in tracking via smartphone spyware.{{cite news |title=NSO in talks to buy Israeli intelligence co Fifth Dimension |url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-nso-in-talks-to-buy-israeli-intelligence-co-fifth-dimension-1001260088 |work=Globes |date=11 November 2018 |language=en |access-date=11 July 2019 |archive-date=11 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711103923/https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-nso-in-talks-to-buy-israeli-intelligence-co-fifth-dimension-1001260088 |url-status=live }} The company closed due to financial reasons, after its Russian investor Viktor Vekselberg was sanctioned under CAATSA by the United States during the Special Counsel investigation into Russian attempts to interfere with the US election, led by Robert Mueller.Hoffman, Gil. (16 December 2018). "Did Stormy Daniels cause Benny Gantz's Cyber Company to close shop?" [https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Stormy-Daniel-makes-Gantzs-company-fold-574471 Jerusalem Post website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414074429/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Stormy-Daniel-makes-Gantzs-company-fold-574471 |date=14 April 2019 }} Retrieved 16 December 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/israeli-startup-fifth-dimension-shuts-due-to-link-with-sanctioned-oligarch-1.6748192|title=Israeli Startup Headed by Ex-top Security Officials Shuts Due to Link With Sanctioned Oligarch|date=17 December 2018|work=Haaretz|access-date=6 January 2019|language=en|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106030737/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/israeli-startup-fifth-dimension-shuts-due-to-link-with-sanctioned-oligarch-1.6748192|url-status=live}}

In December 2018, Gantz announced the formation of a new political party, but did not originally disclose his views or name of the organization.Asa-El, Amotz. (22 December 2018). [https://www.jpost.com/Jerusalem-Report/The-other-Benjamin-574674 "The other Benjamin-Will Israeli politics be saved by one-more general?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920203901/https://www.jpost.com/Jerusalem-Report/The-other-Benjamin-574674 |date=20 September 2019 }}. The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 23 December 2018. Polls demonstrated fluctuating support for the party.{{Cite web |last=Mualem |first=Mazal |date=21 November 2018 |title=Former IDF head spooks Israel's entire political spectrum |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2018/11/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-benny-gantz-yair-lapid-elections.html |access-date=23 May 2022 |website=Al-Monitor |language=en |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523144058/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2018/11/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-benny-gantz-yair-lapid-elections.html |url-status=live }}Hoffman, Gil. (25 December 2018). [https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Poll-finds-Gantz-in-free-fall-575357 "Poll finds Gantz's political party in free fall"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920080830/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Poll-finds-Gantz-in-free-fall-575357 |date=20 September 2019 }}. The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 27 December 2018. On 27 December 2018, Gantz formally established the Israel Resilience Party ("Hosen LeYisrael" in Hebrew), with the intention of running in the upcoming April 2019 election.{{Cite web |title=Former IDF chief names new party: 'Israel's Resilience' |url=https://worldisraelnews.com/former-idf-chief-commits-names-new-party-israels-resilience/ |access-date=28 December 2018 |website=WIN |first=David |last=Jablinowitz |date=28 December 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=20 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920075327/https://worldisraelnews.com/former-idf-chief-commits-names-new-party-israels-resilience/ |url-status=live }} In his first major political speech on 29 January 2019, Gantz pledged to strengthen Israeli settlement blocs in the West Bank and said that Israel would never leave the Golan Heights.{{Cite web |title=Breaking political silence, Gantz indicates he won't serve under indicted PM |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/breaking-political-silence-gantz-indicates-he-wont-serve-under-indicted-pm/ |date=29 January 2019 |access-date=29 January 2019 |work=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=24 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724201821/https://www.timesofisrael.com/breaking-political-silence-gantz-indicates-he-wont-serve-under-indicted-pm/ |url-status=live }} He neither endorsed nor rejected a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. "The Jordan Valley will be our border, but we won't let millions of Palestinians living beyond the fence to endanger our identity as a Jewish state," he said. In addition, Gantz helped formulate a unilateral separation plan for the Institute for National Security Studies calling for the unilateral creation of a contiguous Palestinian "entity" on 65% of the West Bank and a freeze on construction in settlements outside the major settlement blocs expected to be retained in a future peace agreement in order to stave off the perceived threat of a one-state solution, which the plan termed as being an existential threat to Israel, along with a nuclear Iran.{{Cite web |last=Gross |first=Judah Ari |title=Proposal would split Israel from Palestinians – but don't call it a peace plan |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/proposal-would-split-israel-from-palestinians-but-dont-call-it-a-peace-plan/ |access-date=30 January 2019 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=31 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131013541/https://www.timesofisrael.com/proposal-would-split-israel-from-palestinians-but-dont-call-it-a-peace-plan/ |url-status=live }}

On 17 February 2019, at the Munich Security Conference, Gantz enumerated the main challenges of the West as "extremist Iran, Islamic terror, and regional instability".{{Cite web |title=Gantz in Munich speech: 'No daylight' with Netanyahu on Iran |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/gantz-in-munich-speech-no-daylight-with-netanyahu-on-iran/ |access-date=17 February 2019 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=17 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217145125/https://www.timesofisrael.com/gantz-in-munich-speech-no-daylight-with-netanyahu-on-iran/ |url-status=live }} Gantz criticized Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to bar U.S. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering Israel, saying that Omar and Tlaib would have seen that the West Bank is "the second best place" for Arabs in the Middle East.{{cite news |date=10 September 2019 |title=Gantz: Tlaib, Omar Would Have Seen West Bank Is 'Second Best Place' for Mideast Arabs |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-gantz-tlaib-omar-would-have-seen-west-bank-is-second-best-place-for-mideast-arabs-1.7824436 |access-date=20 September 2019 |archive-date=20 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920071047/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-gantz-tlaib-omar-would-have-seen-west-bank-is-second-best-place-for-mideast-arabs-1.7824436 |url-status=live }} In December 2021, Gantz described the Islamic Republic of Iran as "the biggest threat to the global and regional peace and stability".{{cite news |date=9 December 2021 |title=U.S. and Israel ramp up pressure on Iran as diplomacy stalls |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/pentagon-israel-talks-joint-military-readiness-face-iran-2021-12-09/ |access-date=19 December 2021 |archive-date=19 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219191707/https://www.reuters.com/world/pentagon-israel-talks-joint-military-readiness-face-iran-2021-12-09/ |url-status=live }}

Gantz negotiated with leader of the Yesh Atid party Yair Lapid, leader of the Telem party Moshe Ya'alon, and former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, as well as with Orly Levy's Gesher. and reached an agreement with these parties, with the exception of Gesher, to form a political alliance and run jointly. the alliance, named Blue and White, was formally announced on 21 February 2019. with Gantz and Lapid agreeing to rotate the position of prime minister with one another if elected.{{Cite news |last=קרני |first=יובל |date=21 February 2019 |title=גנץ ולפיד הודיעו על איחוד ורוטציה, אשכנזי מצטרף |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5467185,00.html |access-date=23 May 2022 |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523153235/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5467185,00.html |url-status=live }}

{{See also|2018–2022 Israeli political crisis}}

In the April 2019 election Gantz's Blue and White alliance platform included introducing prime ministerial term limits, barring indicted politicians from serving in the Knesset, amending the nation-state law to include Israeli minorities, limiting the power of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel over marriages, investing in early education, expanding health care, and re-entering negotiations with the Palestinian Authority for a peace agreement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/blue-and-white-releases-its-political-platform-no-second-disengagement/|title=Blue and White releases its political platform: 'No second disengagement'|first=Raoul|last=Wootliff|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=6 March 2019|date=6 March 2019|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709202939/https://www.timesofisrael.com/blue-and-white-releases-its-political-platform-no-second-disengagement/|url-status=live}} The alliance won 35 seats, tying for first place with Netanyahu's Likud, but winning a smaller share of the popular vote.{{Cite web |title=תוצאות האמת של הבחירות לכנסת ה-21 |url=https://votes21.bechirot.gov.il/ |access-date=23 May 2022 |website=gov.il |language=he |archive-date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411205835/https://votes21.bechirot.gov.il/ |url-status=live }} Following the election, Gantz conceded defeat{{cite news |last=Liebermann |first=Oren |date=10 April 2019 |title=Netanyahu set for fifth term as Israel's leader as rival concedes defeat |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/10/middleeast/israel-election-results-benjamin-netanyahu-benny-gantz-intl/index.html |access-date=10 April 2019 |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617231848/https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/10/middleeast/israel-election-results-benjamin-netanyahu-benny-gantz-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} and Netanyahu received the opportunity to form a government for President Reuven Rivlin, who gave Netanyahu until 29 May to form a governing coalition.{{cite web |first=Jeffrey |last=Heller |date=13 May 2019 |title=Israel's Netanyahu gets two-week extension to form government |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-politics/israels-netanyahu-gets-two-week-extension-to-form-government-idUKKCN1SJ18E |work=Reuters |access-date=23 May 2022 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528181141/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-politics/israels-netanyahu-gets-two-week-extension-to-form-government-idUKKCN1SJ18E |url-status=live }} Netanyahu was unable to do so, and the mandate to form a government returned to Rivlin. Before he could grant the mandate to another individual, potentially Gantz,{{Cite news |date=28 May 2019 |title=Bill to dissolve Knesset, call elections on September 17 approved in 1st reading |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bill-to-dissolve-knesset-advances-after-being-approved-in-its-first-reading/ |access-date=23 May 2022 |archive-date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616142912/https://www.timesofisrael.com/bill-to-dissolve-knesset-advances-after-being-approved-in-its-first-reading/ |url-status=live }} Netanyahu successfully pushed to dissolve the Knesset on 30 May, leading to new elections in September.{{cite web |first1=Tamar |last1=Pileggi |first2=Raoul |last2=Wootliff |date=30 May 2019 |title=Knesset votes for new elections on September 17 after PM fails to form coalition |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-votes-for-new-elections-on-september-17-after-pm-fails-to-form-coalition/ |access-date=17 September 2019 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602152138/https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-votes-for-new-elections-on-september-17-after-pm-fails-to-form-coalition/ |url-status=live }}

File:Reuven_Rivlin_tasking_Beni_Gantz_with_forming_the_Thirty-fifth_government_of_Israel,_October_2019_(5066).jpg tasking Gantz with the formation of a government, October 2019]]

Blue and White won 33 seats in the September election, one more than the Likud's 32 seats.{{Cite web |title=September 2019 election |url=https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/2019-september/ |access-date=24 May 2022 |website=Israel Democracy Institute |language=he |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102165548/https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/2019-september/ |url-status=live }} Rivlin met with representatives of all elected parties on 22 and 23 September to receive recommendations on whom to allow to form a government.{{cite web |author= |date=19 September 2019 |title=Rivlin to begin consultations Sunday on tasking next prime minister |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/rivlin-to-begin-consultations-sunday-on-tasking-next-prime-minister/ |access-date=22 April 2020 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809081134/https://www.timesofisrael.com/rivlin-to-begin-consultations-sunday-on-tasking-next-prime-minister/ |url-status=live }} Gantz received recommendations from Labor-Gesher,{{cite news |date=23 September 2019 |title=LIVEBLOG: Netanyahu, Gantz to meet Israeli president again on Wednesday |publisher=i24 News |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/1569214581-liveblog-gantz-leads-in-pm-recommendations-as-second-day-of-talks-begins |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003064229/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/1569214581-liveblog-gantz-leads-in-pm-recommendations-as-second-day-of-talks-begins |url-status=live }} the Democratic Union{{cite news |author=Lahav Harkov |date=24 September 2019 |title=Balad votes won't count for Gantz, putting Netanyahu in lead |work=The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-Elections/Netanyahu-to-have-more-support-than-Gantz-after-Balad-revocation-602566 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-date=14 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014000148/https://www.jpost.com/israel-elections/netanyahu-to-have-more-support-than-gantz-after-balad-revocation-602566 |url-status=live }} and the Joint List.{{cite news |date=24 September 2019 |title=Netanyahu expected to have first crack at forming Israeli government |publisher=i24 News |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/1569226434-netanyahu-expected-to-have-first-crack-in-forming-israeli-government |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003122740/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/1569226434-netanyahu-expected-to-have-first-crack-in-forming-israeli-government |url-status=live }} The number of Knesset Seats held by all parties that endorsed Gantz was greater than that of those who endorsed Netanyahu. However, on 23 September, members of the Balad party requested that their recommendation of Gantz, given automatically by their membership in the Joint List, be rescinded.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Oliver |date=23 September 2019 |title=Boost for Netanyahu as three Arab politicians refuse to back rival |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/23/israel-boost-for-netanyahu-as-three-arab-politicians-refuse-to-back-rival |access-date=23 September 2019 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923121657/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/23/israel-boost-for-netanyahu-as-three-arab-politicians-refuse-to-back-rival |url-status=live }} following this, Netanyahu had more recommendations and was chosen by Rivlin to form a government on 25 September,{{cite news |date=25 September 2019 |title=Israel elections: President Rivlin to tap incumbent Netanyahu to form govt |publisher=i24 News |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/1569423363-israeli-president-to-name-candidate-to-form-government-within-hours |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003122829/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/1569423363-israeli-president-to-name-candidate-to-form-government-within-hours |url-status=live }} on the condition that he not dissolve the Knesset should he fail to form a government.{{cite news |first=Raoul |last=Wootliff |date=25 September 2019 |title=Back to square one: New elections loom after Rivlin's unity bid falls short |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/back-to-square-one-new-elections-loom-after-rivlins-unity-bid-falls-short/ |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003074352/https://www.timesofisrael.com/back-to-square-one-new-elections-loom-after-rivlins-unity-bid-falls-short/ |url-status=live }} Netanyahu failed to form a government, and returned the mandate to Rivlin, who gave it to Gantz on 23 October.{{cite news |first=Raoul |last=Wootliff |date=23 October 2019 |title=Charged with forming coalition, Gantz asks Netanyahu to join, vows to heal rifts |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/charged-with-forming-coalition-gantz-asks-netanyahu-to-join-vows-to-heal-rifts/ |access-date=23 October 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003125543/https://www.timesofisrael.com/charged-with-forming-coalition-gantz-asks-netanyahu-to-join-vows-to-heal-rifts/ |url-status=live }} Gantz failed to form a government, and the mandate passed collectively to the Knesset, who failed to form a government, and dissolved on 12 December, triggering a third election in March 2020.{{cite web |author= |date=12 December 2019|title=Israel calls another election for March 2, the third in a year |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-calls-another-election-for-march-the-third-in-a-year/ |access-date=11 December 2019 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003055511/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-calls-another-election-for-march-the-third-in-a-year/ |url-status=live }} On 19 December, Gantz and Lapid's planned rotation agreement was scrapped, with Gantz becoming Blue and White's sole candidate for prime minister.{{Cite news |last=קרני |first=מורן אזולאי ויובל |date=9 December 2019 |title=לפיד מוותר על הרוטציה: "כולנו מאחורי בני גנץ" |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5639794,00.html |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531180542/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5639794,00.html |url-status=live }}

The March election resulted in the loss of Blue and White's parliamentary plurality, with the party winning 33 seats to the Likud's 36.{{Cite web |title=Result of elections to the 23rd Knesset |url=https://votes23.bechirot.gov.il/ |access-date=26 May 2022 |website=Central Elections Committee for the 23rd Knesset |language=he |archive-date=4 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304123622/https://votes23.bechirot.gov.il/ |url-status=live }} On 15 March, Gantz received recommendations from parties that held a combined 61 seats,{{cite web |first=Raoul |last=Wootliff |date=15 March 2020 |title=Rivlin to task Gantz with forming government after he receives 61 endorsements |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-libermans-nod-gantz-gets-61-backers-to-form-coalition-topping-netanyahu/ |access-date=17 March 2020 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=16 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316131745/https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-libermans-nod-gantz-gets-61-backers-to-form-coalition-topping-netanyahu/ |url-status=live }} and was again given a mandate by Rivlin the next day.{{cite web |first=Gil |last=Hoffman |date=16 March 2020 |title=Rivlin gives Gantz mandate to form government |url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Gantz-arrives-at-Presidents-House-to-receive-mandate-to-form-govt-621147 |access-date=16 March 2020 |website=The Jerusalem Post |archive-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007100703/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/gantz-arrives-at-presidents-house-to-receive-mandate-to-form-govt-621147|url-status=live }} Before the election, Gantz vowed to form a government that would not include Netanyahu.{{cite news |date=16 February 2020 |title=Israel's Gantz vows to form government without Netanyahu |website=Politico |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/16/israel-netanyahu-gantz-elections-115510 |access-date=22 March 2020 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003110920/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/16/israel-netanyahu-gantz-elections-115510 |url-status=live }} Initially an attempt was made to form a minority government with external support from the Joint List, however this initiative promptly collapsed as Members of the Knesset from Gantz's Party, Yoaz Hendel and Zvi Hauser announced they would vote against such a government, citing an electoral promise not to lean on the Joint List. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, Gantz reversed his stance and announced he was willing to support an emergency coalition with Netanyahu.{{cite web |last=Wootliff |first=Raoul |date=22 March 2020 |title=Gantz: Unity government needed now, I'm waiting for Netanyahu to okay talks |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/gantz-unity-govt-needed-now-im-waiting-for-netanyahu-to-ok-negotiations/ |access-date=22 March 2020 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003091038/https://www.timesofisrael.com/gantz-unity-govt-needed-now-im-waiting-for-netanyahu-to-ok-negotiations/ |url-status=live }}

On 26 March, Gantz was elected Speaker of the Knesset by a margin of 74–18, following the resignation of Yuli Edelstein. His nomination was supported by the Likud and members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, which put the future of the Blue and White alliance in jeopardy.{{Cite news |last= |last2= |date=26 March 2020 |title=Blue & White in turmoil as Gantz stands for Knesset speaker with right-wing support |language=en |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/H1drie9UI |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918211955/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/H1drie9UI |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Gil |last=Hoffman |date=2 April 2020 |title=Blue and White splits as unity deal with Likud approaches |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/likud-blue-and-white-negotiations-intensifying-622426 |access-date=22 April 2020 |website=The Jerusalem Post |archive-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007100631/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/likud-blue-and-white-negotiations-intensifying-622426 |url-status=live }} On 29 March, Yesh Atid and Telem left Blue and White and formed a separate faction in the Knesset.{{cite news |first=Raoul |last=Wootliff |date=29 March 2020 |title=Knesset panel okays breakup of Blue and White; Gantz keeps name |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-panel-okays-breakup-of-blue-and-white-gantz-keeps-name/ |access-date=29 March 2020 |archive-date=22 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122215402/https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-panel-okays-breakup-of-blue-and-white-gantz-keeps-name/ |url-status=live }}

On 20 April, Gantz and Netanyahu announced that an agreement on a unity government had been reached. The deal would involve both parties sharing power, with Gantz and Netanyahu rotating the position of prime minister. Under the terms of the agreement, Netanyahu remained as prime minister, with Gantz serving as alternate prime minister, and the two set to exchange roles in October 2021.{{cite web |first=Gil |last=Hoffman |date=21 April 2020 |title=The deal is done: Netanyahu, Gantz ink coalition pact |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/a-joint-meeting-between-netanyahu-and-gantz-to-start-soon-625241 |access-date=22 April 2020 |website=The Jerusalem Post |archive-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007100547/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/a-joint-meeting-between-netanyahu-and-gantz-to-start-soon-625241 |url-status=live }} On 7 May, Netanyahu won the support of 72 Members of the Knesset to form a government, with Rivlin giving Netanyahu a two-week mandate to form a government shortly after.{{cite web |author= |date=7 May 2020 |title=Netanyahu gets nod from Rivlin to form government, seemingly cementing rule |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-coalition-seemingly-set-netanyahu-gets-nod-from-rivlin-to-form-government/ |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809093045/https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-coalition-seemingly-set-netanyahu-gets-nod-from-rivlin-to-form-government/ |url-status=live }} The parties who gave their support included Blue and White, Likud, Gesher, Shas and United Torah Judaism, two of the three members of the Labor Party, and Derekh Eretz, formed by Hauser and Hendel.{{cite web |author=Rina Bassist |date=9 May 2020 |title=Netanyahu's future coalition, without the settlers? |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/05/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-naftali-bennett-yamina-annexation.html |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=Al-Monitor |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809072150/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/05/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-naftali-bennett-yamina-annexation.html |url-status=live }} Gantz resigned as speaker of the Knesset on 12 May as part of the coalition agreement,{{Cite news |last=קרני |first=יובל |date=12 May 2020 |title=לקראת הקמת הממשלה: גנץ התפטר מתפקידו כיו"ר הכנסת, לוין יחליפו |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5729677,00.html |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=17 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617091206/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5729677,00.html |url-status=live }} and the new government was sworn in on 17 May, with Gantz being sworn in as alternate prime minister and minister of defense.{{Cite web |date=17 May 2020 |title=Israel's parliament swears in new unity government with PM Netanyahu at helm |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200517-israel-s-netanyahu-presents-his-unity-government-to-parliament |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527154701/https://www.france24.com/en/20200517-israel-s-netanyahu-presents-his-unity-government-to-parliament |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|title=Israel's Biggest Gov't Ever Takes Oath: The Complete List of Ministers|language=en|work=Haaretz|first1=Chaim|last1=Levinson|first2=Jonathan|last2=Lis|date=17 May 2022|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/2020-05-17/ty-article/.premium/israel-netanyahu-gantz-biggest-government-ever-takes-oath-complete-ministers-list/0000017f-ed5a-d639-af7f-eddf8d4e0000|access-date=27 May 2022|archive-date=29 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729181049/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/2020-05-17/ty-article/.premium/israel-netanyahu-gantz-biggest-government-ever-takes-oath-complete-ministers-list/0000017f-ed5a-d639-af7f-eddf8d4e0000|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Thirty-fifth government of Israel}}

In November 2020, Gantz formed a military committee to investigate Case 3000, a corruption case involving the purchase of submarines.{{Cite web |date=22 November 2020 |title=N12 - כפי שפורסם במהדורה: גנץ מקים ועדת בדיקה לפרשת הצוללות |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/2020_q4/Article-4769481ad50f571026.htm |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=N12 |language=he |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531174349/https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/2020_q4/Article-4769481ad50f571026.htm |url-status=live }} the committee's members resigned in late December due to restrictions placed on the investigation by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who was running a parallel investigation.{{Cite web |title=חברי ועדת הבדיקה לעניין הצוללות הודיעו על התפטרותם - בגלל המגבלות שהטיל היועמ"ש על עבודתם |url=https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=81711 |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=Kan 11 |language=he |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927055708/https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=81711 |url-status=live }} Gantz established a second committee in May 2021 to investigate the treatment of Veterans, after a former soldier of the IDF lit himself on fire in an act of protest.{{Cite news |last=זיתון |first=יואב |date=13 April 2021 |title=משרד הביטחון יקים ועדת בדיקה לאחר שנכה צה"ל הצית עצמו: "אירוע מטלטל וקשה ביותר" |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/r1NoI11mI00 |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531174350/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/r1NoI11mI00 |url-status=live }}

Despite agreeing to take part in a Netanyahu-led coalition government in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,{{Cite web |last=Pita |first=Natan Sachs and Adrianna |date=21 April 2020 |title=What does the Gantz-Netanyahu coalition government mean for Israel? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/what-does-the-gantz-netanyahu-coalition-government-mean-for-israel/ |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630110202/https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/what-does-the-gantz-netanyahu-coalition-government-mean-for-israel/ |url-status=live }} Gantz opposed the timeline of Netanyahu's annexation plans, he said the Israeli prime minister should instead put the COVID-19 pandemic first.{{cite news |last1=Beaumont |first1=Peter |last2=Scammell |first2=Rosie |date=29 June 2020 |title=Netanyahu's annexation plan in disarray as Gantz calls for delay |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/netanyahus-annexation-plan-in-disarray-as-gantz-calls-for-delay |access-date=10 April 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404160105/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/netanyahus-annexation-plan-in-disarray-as-gantz-calls-for-delay |url-status=live }} on 23 December, shortly after the expiration of a budgetary deadline, Gantz and Netanyahu's unity government collapsed, triggering new elections in March 2021.{{cite web |last=Wootliff |first=Raoul |title=Israel calls 4th election in 2 years as Netanyahu-Gantz coalition collapses |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-calls-4th-election-in-2-years-as-netanyahu-gantz-coalition-collapses/ |access-date=23 December 2020 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=8 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108062223/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-calls-4th-election-in-2-years-as-netanyahu-gantz-coalition-collapses/ |url-status=live }}

Following the resignation of Avi Nissenkorn as the minister of justice on 30 December,{{Cite news |last=זקן |first=דני |date=30 December 2020 |title=אבי ניסנקורן התפטר מתפקיד שר המשפטים |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001355321 |access-date=30 May 2022 |language=he |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530181337/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001355321 |url-status=live }} Gantz became the acting minister of justice until 1 April 2021, at which point the position became vacant.{{Cite web |title=חבר הכנסת בני גנץ |trans-title=Member of the Knesset Benny Gantz |url=https://main.knesset.gov.il/mk/Apps/mk/mk-government-activity/988 |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=Knesset |language=he |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530181337/https://main.knesset.gov.il/mk/Apps/mk/mk-government-activity/988 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=בכירים לשעבר במערכת המשפט על אי מינוי שר משפטים: "נקודת שפל" |url=https://www.maariv.co.il/news/politics/Article-831176 |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=Maariv |date=April 2021 |language=he |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530181337/https://www.maariv.co.il/news/politics/Article-831176 |url-status=live }} Netanyahu nominated Member of the Knesset Ofir Akunis for the position in a cabinet meeting on 27 April 2021. Akunis won a majority in a vote held by the cabinet, but was not confirmed to the position as the vote was ruled illegal by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and the Israeli Supreme Court as it was not part of the meeting's pre-written agenda.{{Cite web |date=27 April 2021 |title=סוער בממשלה: השרים הצביעו בעד, מנדלבליט: "אקוניס לא שר המשפטים" |url=https://www.jdn.co.il/breakingnews/1516288/ |website=JDN news |language=he |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429180841/https://www.jdn.co.il/breakingnews/1516288/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Lis |first1=Jonathan |last2=Bandel |first2=Netael |date=27 April 2021 |title=Top Court Freezes 'Illegal' Appointment of Netanyahu's Pick for Justice Minister |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-after-illegal-vote-pushed-by-netanyahu-justice-minister-dispute-moves-to-court-1.9751539 |accessdate=27 April 2021 |archive-date=27 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427125106/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-after-illegal-vote-pushed-by-netanyahu-justice-minister-dispute-moves-to-court-1.9751539 |url-status=live }} Gantz was subsequently approved as minister of justice by the cabinet in a legal vote on 28 April.{{Cite web |date=28 April 2021 |title=Cabinet appoints Gantz as justice minister after U-turn by Netanyahu |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/government-appoints-gantz-as-justice-minister-after-u-turn-by-netanyahu/ |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530181343/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/government-appoints-gantz-as-justice-minister-after-u-turn-by-netanyahu/ |url-status=live }}

File:Operation_Guardian_of_the_Walls,_May_2021._XXXVI.jpg, May 2021]]

In May 2021, as defense minister, Gantz presided over Operation Guardian of the Walls, a military operation conducted in the Gaza Strip. During the operation, Israel conducted around 1,500 aerial, land, and sea strikes within the territory.[https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/flash-update-02-situation-occupied-palestinian-territory 'Flash Update #02: Situation in the occupied Palestinian territory,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524183920/https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/flash-update-02-situation-occupied-palestinian-territory|date=24 May 2021}} OCHA 24 May 2021 The operation began on 10 May,{{cite web |last=Wrobel |first=Sharon |date=10 May 2021 |title=Hamas Fires Rocket Barrage at Jerusalem as IDF Green Lights Gaza Strikes |url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/05/10/hamas-fires-rocket-barrage-at-jerusalem-as-idf-green-lights-gaza-strikes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511002154/https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/05/10/hamas-fires-rocket-barrage-at-jerusalem-as-idf-green-lights-gaza-strikes/ |archive-date=11 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |work=The Algemeiner}} and ended on 21 May due to a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the Egyptian government.{{cite news |date=21 May 2021 |title=Israel-Gaza ceasefire holds despite Jerusalem clash |website=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57195537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525215311/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57195537 |archive-date=25 May 2021}}

{{Main page|2021 Israeli legislative election|Thirty-sixth government of Israel}}

Following the collapse of the Blue and White's alliance with Telem and Yesh Atid, the party often polled at a single digit number of seats, narrowly surpassing, or falling beneath, the electoral threshold.{{Cite web |date=22 December 2020 |title=N12 - גנץ קרוב לאחוז החסימה {{!}} סקר בחירות נכון ל-22.12.20 |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2020_q4/Article-228b11c923b8671027.htm |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=N12 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531180542/https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2020_q4/Article-228b11c923b8671027.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=30 December 2020 |title=N12 - רון חולדאי עם 8 מנדטים {{!}} סקר בחירות נכון ל-30.12.20 |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel-elections/2021/Article-897427b9084b671027.htm |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=N12 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423184622/https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel-elections/2021/Article-897427b9084b671027.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=3 February 2021 |title=יום לסגירת הרשימות: גוש הימין על 59, כחול לבן לא עוברת את אחוז החסימה - וואלה! בחירות 2021 |url=https://elections.walla.co.il/item/3415768 |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=וואלה! |language=he |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915082051/https://elections.walla.co.il/item/3415768 |url-status=live }} in addition, several members of the party, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabi Ashkenazi, Minister of Justice Avi Nissenkorn,{{Cite web |date=30 December 2020 |title=N12 - גבי אשכנזי הודיע שהוא פורש מכחול לבן |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel-elections/2021/Article-4bd30829cd2b671027.htm |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=N12 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110023805/https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel-elections/2021/Article-4bd30829cd2b671027.htm |url-status=live }} Minister of Science, Technology and Space, Yizhar Shai, and Members of the Knesset Ram Shefa,{{Cite web |title=כחול לבן מתפרקת: השר יזהר שי הודיע לגנץ על עזיבת המפלגה |url=https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=97397 |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=Kan 11 |language=he |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408234302/https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=97397 |url-status=live }} Einav Kabla,{{Cite news |title=אבי ניסנקורן מצטרף לחולדאי; גנץ: "מצופה שיתפטר ממשרד המשפטים" |language=he-il |work=גלובס |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001355179 |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530181340/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001355179 |url-status=live }} and Hila Vazan{{Cite web |title=תקווה חדשה בהנהגת גדעון סער לראשות הממשלה|url=https://bechirot24.bechirot.gov.il/election/Candidates/Pages/OneListCandidates.aspx?LPF=Search&WebId=6adadc15-e476-480b-9746-04490aedeb0f&ListID=ba72a662-765c-45af-9d48-fb68080956af&ItemID=200&FieldID=ListNickname_GxS_Text |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=Israel Elections Committee |language=he |archive-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814170649/https://bechirot24.bechirot.gov.il/election/Candidates/Pages/OneListCandidates.aspx?LPF=Search&WebId=6adadc15-e476-480b-9746-04490aedeb0f&ListID=ba72a662-765c-45af-9d48-fb68080956af&ItemID=200&FieldID=ListNickname_GxS_Text |url-status=live }} either retired from politics or defected to another party, while Members of the Knesset Miki Haimovich and Asaf Zamir were removed from the party list by Gantz after voting against a bill meant to delay the dissolution of the Knesset.{{Cite news |last=אזולאי |first=מורן |date=27 December 2020 |title=חיימוביץ' וזמיר הודחו, גם אשכנזי בדרך החוצה |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/rykhwH8pv |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531180541/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/rykhwH8pv |url-status=live }} in the last days of the election, Gantz ran a Gevald campaign, arguing that Blue and White falling beneath the electoral threshold would harm Israeli democracy.{{Cite web |title=קמפיין הגעוואלד: אלה המפלגות שהצליחו לגייס תומכים רגע לפני ההצבעה בקלפי |url=https://www.maariv.co.il/elections-2021/Article-829793 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=Maariv |date=24 March 2021 |language=he |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613085954/https://www.maariv.co.il/elections-2021/Article-829793 |url-status=live }}

Blue and White won 8 seats in the 2021 election,{{Cite web |title=ועדת הבחירות המרכזית לכנסת ה-24 {{!}} תוצאות ארציות |url=https://votes24.bechirot.gov.il/ |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=votes24.bechirot.gov.il |archive-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401041246/https://votes24.bechirot.gov.il/ |url-status=live }} exceeding the number of seats the party was projected to win in most polls.{{Cite news |last=ביין-לובוביץ' |first=ענת |date=24 March 2021 |title=כסף והרבה: כך נראה הקמפיין שחילץ את גנץ מאחוז החסימה {{!}} פרשנות |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001365274 |access-date=1 June 2022 |archive-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324151927/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001365274 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=קריצה למצביעי העבודה והתמקדות ביושרה של גנץ: מה הוביל להצלחת כחול לבן |language=he |work=הארץ |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/elections/2021-03-24/ty-article/.premium/0000017f-e1d0-d38f-a57f-e7d2e2240000 |access-date=1 June 2022 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601153829/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/elections/2021-03-24/ty-article/.premium/0000017f-e1d0-d38f-a57f-e7d2e2240000 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=14 April 2021 |title=החליפי: בני שב משדה הקרב // מאת שרה ליבוביץ־דר |url=https://theliberal.co.il/%D7%94%D7%97%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%94-%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A5%D6%BE%D7%93%D7%A8/ |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=מגזין ליברל |language=he-IL |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818205358/https://theliberal.co.il/%D7%94%D7%97%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%94-%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A5%D6%BE%D7%93%D7%A8/ |url-status=live }} on 5 April, Rivlin met with representatives of all elected parties.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Netanyahu secures most nominations for PM; Rivlin to tap candidate Tuesday |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-secures-most-nominations-for-premiership-after-new-hope-abstains/ |date=5 April 2022 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214810/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-secures-most-nominations-for-premiership-after-new-hope-abstains/ |url-status=live }} Blue and White recommended Lapid for prime minister,{{Cite web |title=Netanyahu gets most support after Lapid, Bennett fail to close deal |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/blue-and-white-decides-to-back-lapid-664147 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=5 April 2022 |first=Gil |last=Hoffman |language=en-US |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616070119/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/blue-and-white-decides-to-back-lapid-664147 |url-status=live }} but Netanyahu received a larger number of recommendations, and was given a mandate by Rivlin.{{Cite web |title=Shas leader demands term as prime minister |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/shas-leader-demands-rotation-as-prime-minister-664857 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=11 April 2021 |first=Gil |last=Hoffman |language=en-US |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616065425/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/shas-leader-demands-rotation-as-prime-minister-664857 |url-status=live }} Netanyahu failed to form a government, and his mandate expired on 4 May.{{Cite news|title=As Netanyahu's Coalition Deadline Expires, Lapid Seen Likely to Get the Nod|language=en|work=Haaretz|first1=Jonathan|last1=Lis|first2=Jack|last2=Khoury|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/2021-05-04/ty-article/.premium/as-netanyahus-coalition-deadline-expires-lapid-seen-likely-to-get-the-nod/0000017f-e13c-d568-ad7f-f37fd28f0000|date=5 May 2021|access-date=1 June 2022|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601153829/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/2021-05-04/ty-article/.premium/as-netanyahus-coalition-deadline-expires-lapid-seen-likely-to-get-the-nod/0000017f-e13c-d568-ad7f-f37fd28f0000|url-status=live}} the next day, Rivlin gave Lapid the mandate to form a government,{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Netanyahu lashes out at Bennett after Lapid gets mandate to form government |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-5-2021/ |date=5 May 2021 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506094610/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-5-2021/ |url-status=live }} who entered negotiations with Naftali Bennett to form a unity government,{{Cite news |last=אזולאי |first=מורן |date=5 May 2021 |title=לפיד ובנט במרוץ נגד הזמן: לקראת מו"מ אינטנסיבי להרכבת ממשלה |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/HJ8ItOl00u |access-date=1 June 2022 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601152327/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/HJ8ItOl00u |url-status=live }} in which Lapid and Bennett would rotate the position of prime minister.{{Cite web |title=Lapid says he made offer to Bennett to be PM first in rotation |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lapid-says-he-made-offer-to-bennett-to-be-pm-first-in-rotation/ |access-date=1 June 2022 |date=5 April 2021 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102115511/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lapid-says-he-made-offer-to-bennett-to-be-pm-first-in-rotation/ |url-status=live }} Lapid and Bennett formed a government with Ra'am, Meretz, the Labor Party, New Hope, Yisrael Beiteinu and Blue and White.{{Cite news |title=ממשלת השינוי הורכבה: כל מפלגות הקואליציה חתמו על ההסכמים |language=he |work=הארץ |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politi/2021-06-11/ty-article/.premium/0000017f-f4de-d460-afff-fffe6c650000 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102114011/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politi/2021-06-11/ty-article/.premium/0000017f-f4de-d460-afff-fffe6c650000 |url-status=live }} Lapid became the alternate prime minister, and Gideon Sa'ar replaced Gantz as justice minister. Gantz remained the defense minister and became a deputy prime minister.{{Cite news |last=דרוקמן |first=ירון |date=13 June 2021 |title=ממשלת בנט-לפיד יוצאת לדרך: הכירו את כל השרים |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/S1QAstfsd |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121232909/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/S1QAstfsd |url-status=live }} The new government was sworn in on 13 June.{{Cite news |last=ynet |first=כתבי |date=13 June 2021 |title=על חודו של קול: ממשלת בנט-לפיד אושרה בכנסת |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/S1FY9jmj00 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102114010/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/S1FY9jmj00 |url-status=live }}

In October 2021, Gantz announced that six Palestinian human rights organizations would be designated as terrorist organizations.{{Cite news |last=זקן |first=דני |date=22 October 2021 |title=גנץ הכריז על 6 ארגונים של החזית העממית כארגוני טרור |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001388272 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701193247/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001388272 |url-status=live }} The Ministry of Defense claimed that the groups are connected to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and that funding is being funneled from the groups to the PFLP.{{Cite news |title=גנץ הכריז על 6 ארגוני חברה אזרחית בגדה ארגוני טרור; ארה"ב דורשת הבהרות |language=he |work=הארץ |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2021-10-22/ty-article/.premium/0000017f-e77d-d97e-a37f-f77db20d0000 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624060258/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2021-10-22/ty-article/.premium/0000017f-e77d-d97e-a37f-f77db20d0000 |url-status=live }} As of April 2022, Israel has not publicly released any evidence of such a link.{{cite news |date=24 October 2021 |title=Counterterrorism Off the Rails: Israel's Declaration of Palestinian Human Rights Groups as "Terrorist" Organizations |work=Just Security |url=https://www.justsecurity.org/78732/counterterrorism-off-the-rails-israels-declaration-of-palestinian-human-rights-groups-as-terrorist-organizations/ |access-date=21 April 2022 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219094202/https://www.justsecurity.org/78732/counterterrorism-off-the-rails-israels-declaration-of-palestinian-human-rights-groups-as-terrorist-organizations/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2021, Gantz became the first Israeli minister of defense to visit Morocco, where he signed an agreement for security cooperation with the Moroccan government.{{Cite web |title=Morocco, Israel sign first-ever defence agreement in Rabat |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/24/morocco-israel-sign-first-ever-defence-agreement-in-rabat |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=Al Jazeera |date=24 November 2021 |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602103655/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/24/morocco-israel-sign-first-ever-defence-agreement-in-rabat |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=גנץ חתם על הסכם לשיתוף פעולה ביטחוני בין ישראל למרוקו |language=he |work=הארץ |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2021-11-24/ty-article/0000017f-db2f-df9c-a17f-ff3fd7b50000 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218171753/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2021-11-24/ty-article/0000017f-db2f-df9c-a17f-ff3fd7b50000 |url-status=live }} he similarly signed a defense memorandum with the Government of Bahrain.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2022 |title=הותר לפרסום: שר הביטחון בני גנץ נחת במנאמה בירת בחריין |url=https://www.makorrishon.co.il/news/453349/ |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=מקור ראשון |language=he-IL |archive-date=4 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204132909/https://www.makorrishon.co.il/news/453349/ |url-status=live }}

On 30 May 2022, following violence and racist remarks against Palestinians at the annual Dance of Flags, Gantz called for La Familia and Lehava to be designated as terrorist organizations.{{Cite news |last1=אזולאי |first1=מורן |last2=אייכנר |first2=איתמר |last3=חלבי |first3=עינב |last4=תורג'מן |first4=מאיר |date=30 May 2022 |title=גנץ אחרי ההתפרעויות במצעד הדגלים: "לבחון את הגדרת לה פמיליה ולהב"ה כארגוני טרור" |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bkgwovfu5 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602103656/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bkgwovfu5 |url-status=live }}

{{Also see|2022 Israeli legislative election}}

File:Secretary Blinken Meets with Gantz - 53454264445.jpg in Israel in January 2024]]

Following the dissolution of Knesset on 29 June 2022, a legislative election was called for 1 November.{{Cite news |last=Azulai |first=Moran |date=30 June 2022 |title=הכנסת פוזרה סופית: בחירות ב-1 בנובמבר, לפיד יהפוך בחצות לרה"מ ה-14 |language=he |trans-title=The Knesset has officially dissolved: Elections on 1 November, Lapid will become 14th prime minister at midnight |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bj7jhtqq5 |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102114000/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bj7jhtqq5 |url-status=live }} On 10 July, Gantz announced an alliance with Gideon Sa'ar's New Hope, which was initially called 'Blue and White-The New Hope'.{{Cite news |last1=Azulai |first1=Moran |last2=Karni |first2=Yuval |date=10 July 2022 |title=In political partnership Gantz, Sa'ar aim for unity government |website=Ynet |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/nozaf2n25 |access-date=14 August 2022 |archive-date=31 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031154831/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/nozaf2n25 |url-status=live }} The alliance was joined by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and former Yamina MK Matan Kahana on 14 August, at which point it was renamed the National Unity Party.{{cite web |date=22 August 2022 |title=Israel Elections: Shirely Pinto leaves Zionist Spirit for Gantz's National Unity |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-715277 |accessdate=23 August 2022 |work=The Jerusalem Post |archive-date=22 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822172857/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-715277 |url-status=live }} The alliance won 12 seats in the election.{{cite web |title=תוצאות ארציות |trans-title=National Results |url=https://votes25.bechirot.gov.il/ |website=Central Election Committee for the 25th Knesset |language=he |access-date=1 January 2023 |archive-date=9 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109123023/https://votes25.bechirot.gov.il/ |url-status=live }} Gantz was replaced as defense minister by Yoav Gallant on 29 December{{Cite web |date=28 December 2022 |title=בפעם השישית: הכנסת הביעה את אמונה בממשלה בראשות נתניהו {{!}} כלכליסט |url=https://www.calcalist.co.il/local_news/article/b1nloxcto |access-date=1 January 2023 |website=calcalist |language=he |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231170119/https://www.calcalist.co.il/local_news/article/b1nloxcto |url-status=live }} after an alliance of parties led by Netanyahu formed a new government.{{Cite web |last1=Knell |first1=Yollande |last2=Gritten |first2=David |date=29 December 2022 |title=Netanyahu's hard-line new government takes office in Israel |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64115141 |access-date=29 December 2022 |work=BBC |archive-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229140955/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64115141 |url-status=live }}

On 7 October 2023, the Gaza war began following an attack led by Hamas militants on Israel.{{Cite web |last=Gold |first=Hadas |last2=Faqiri |first2=Shirin |last3=Regan |first3=Helen |last4=Yeung |first4=Jessie |last5=Hu |first5=Caitlin |date=8 October 2023|title=Israel formally declares war against Hamas as it battles to push militants off its soil |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/middleeast/israel-gaza-attack-hostages-response-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=13 October 2023 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008224822/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/middleeast/israel-gaza-attack-hostages-response-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }} The following day, Gantz announced his willingness to temporarily join Netanyahu's government and establish a war cabinet.{{Cite news |last=ליבנה |first=סתיו |date=8 October 2023 |title=הרצוג קרא לאחדות; גנץ: "מוכן לדון בהצטרפות לממשלה" |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001459673 |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014034242/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001459673 |url-status=live }} On 11 October, Gantz and Netanyahu announced that they had reached an agreement on the new cabinet, with Gantz joining the war cabinet and being sworn in as minister without portfolio alongside four other members of his party. The agreement was ratified by the Knesset and went into effect on 12 October.{{Cite news |title=הקמת ממשלת החירום: הכנסת אישרה את צירוף שרי המחנה הממלכתי לממשלה |language=he |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politi/2023-10-12/ty-article/0000018b-2460-d3fc-a3bf-bfed20e50000 |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016044753/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politi/2023-10-12/ty-article/0000018b-2460-d3fc-a3bf-bfed20e50000 |url-status=live }}

On 12 March 2024, New Hope withdrew from National Unity,{{Cite web |date=2024-03-12 |title=N12 - סער מפרק את המחנה הממלכתי: תקווה חדשה תתפצל מכחול לבן... |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2024_q1/Article-de00401afc33e81026.htm |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=N12}} effectively disbanding the alliance. The party subsequently left the emergency government on 25 March.{{Cite news |last= |date=2024-03-25 |title=השר גדעון סער הודיע על התפטרותו מהממשלה |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/skljnek1c |access-date=2024-06-22 |work=Ynet |language=he}} On 18 May, Gantz threatened to resign from the cabinet effective 8 June if it was unable to engage and adopt proposals for returning hostages, ending Hamas' rule, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing an international administration, normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, and widening military service.{{Cite news |title=Member of Israel's War Cabinet says he'll quit the government June 8 unless there's a new war plan |language=en |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-war-05-18-2024-3ac9d8e59198d5884d0faa6649a53e4f |access-date=20 May 2024 |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519233423/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-war-05-18-2024-3ac9d8e59198d5884d0faa6649a53e4f |url-status=live }} He ultimately resigned on 9 June,{{Cite web |date=2024-06-09 |title=N12 - הערב: הצהרת יו"ר המחנה הממלכתי בני גנץ |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2024_q2/Article-79ae4b7a57dff81027.htm |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=N12 |archive-date=9 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609180658/https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2024_q2/Article-79ae4b7a57dff81027.htm |url-status=live }} delaying his announcement by 24 hours due to a successful operation that rescued four Israeli hostages.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-08 |title=N12 - גנץ ביטל את ההצהרה, נתניהו פנה אליו: "אל תצא מהממשלה" |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2024_q2/Article-3e80377cbe8ff81026.htm |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=N12 |archive-date=9 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609180657/https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2024_q2/Article-3e80377cbe8ff81026.htm |url-status=live }}

In February 2025, he supported US President Donald Trump's Gaza Strip proposal.{{cite news |title=Israel tells army to prepare plans for Palestinians to voluntarily leave Gaza |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/06/israel-tells-army-to-prepare-plan-for-palestinians-to-voluntarily-leave-gaza |work=The Guardian |date=6 February 2025}}

File:Blue and White6.jpg|Gantz with fellow Blue and White alliance partners [L to R]: Moshe Yaalon, Gantz, Yair Lapid, and Gabi Ashkenazi.

File:President Trump Meets with Benny Gantz (49452701982).jpg|Gantz with United States President Donald Trump in January 2020

File:Secretary Pompeo Meets with Speaker Gantz (49890060711).jpg|Gantz with United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in May 2020

File:SecDef Austin visit to Israel April 2021 (51109578066).jpg|Gantz meeting with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Israel in April 2021

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Category:1959 births

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