Gantz exits while Winter stays
Benny Gantz withdrew from the election, accepting responsibility for insufficient support while maintaining that a Zionist national unity government crossing political blocs was Israel’s only solution.
He warned against a return to October 6, saying that without real change the nation would remain torn apart and face another election or, “God forbid, a disaster.”
Gantz defended joining Netanyahu’s government after the massacre as his most important public decision and said he would do so again if called upon. He remained undecided about his vote and recommended someone who does not incite division.
Lapid wished Gantz success but told Kan Reshet Bet:
“This is an opportunity to remember that this is how things end for anyone who trusts Netanyahu and joins forces with him.”
United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yaakov Asher praised Gantz’s service and security contributions, expressed confidence he would return to leadership and emphasized their respectful friendship across political differences.
Amit Segal argued that Gantz, Sa’ar and Eisenkot were right to join the unity government after October 7, saying that unity helped the war effort and public.
Following Gantz’s withdrawal, Ofer Winter declared: “Amcha Yisrael will stay in the race until the end.”
Minister Karhi said on Channel 14: “Winter is on Palestine’s side.” Segal described Winter as right-wing rather than pro-Palestinian, while assessing that his dilemma over staying in the race was becoming increasingly acute.
Trump’s backing and government commitments
President Trump predicted a “tremendous victory” for Netanyahu, said he wanted him by his side and called him a “great warrior,” adding: “We will prove that very soon”.
He said he had written his statement himself and that Netanyahu had been treated unfairly in his own country. Netanyahu said they had work to finish together and could expand the Abraham Accords.
Netanyahu promised Ben-Gvir a senior ministerial role after the national security minister claimed Netanyahu’s office had assured European Union countries he would be excluded from the next government.
Likud rejected the claim as “false political spin” and accused Ben-Gvir of “friendly fire.” Netanyahu has previously ruled out giving him the Defense or National Security portfolios, saying both will remain with Likud.
Ahmad Tibi said:
“After the elections, we will enable the formation of an alternative government and remove Netanyahu and Ohana from office.”
Security incidents and IDF appointments
Police and the Shin Bet said two suspects allegedly involved in planning a terrorist attack against Israeli civilians were arrested on the evening of October 19 on busy Highway 1 near the Latrun Interchange, near Jerusalem.
The Tequila team of commandos from Yamam, Israel’s National Counterterrorism Unit, and Shin Bet operatives acted on precise Shin Bet intelligence.
The agencies did not name the suspects, who were transferred to the Shin Bet for further interrogation. No Israeli security personnel were injured.
An infiltration alert in Evyatar, in Judea and Samaria, was cleared after the individual was identified as an Israeli civilian.
Sirens and a Home Front Command application alert had warned of a suspected terrorist infiltration. Following its investigation, the IDF said there was no concern of a security incident.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced appointments subject to Defense Minister Israel Katz’s approval: one new brigadier general and 36 new colonels, with two brigadier generals and 24 colonels moving to new roles at existing ranks.
Five additional senior officers are being sent for academic studies between assignments.
