Defector from Gantz’s party joins Bennett ahead of October election

Knesset member Itan Ginzburg, who abandoned Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party in May over claims that parliament had “deteriorated into an abyss and become a tool of government,” has now joined Naftali Bennett’s “Yamin Yachdim” (Together Right) alliance ahead of October elections. The move signals continued fragmentation within Israel’s centrist political bloc, which has struggled to maintain cohesion since the collapse of the unity government that governed alongside Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. Ginzburg’s defection from Blue and White, once seen as a major challenger to Netanyahu, reflects the broader difficulties facing the centrist opposition in regrouping for the upcoming ballot. In a statement announcing his decision, Ginzburg emphasised the need for “a government that will work to repair the damage,” suggesting the Together Right alliance represents his best chance of contributing to a functioning administration. Bennett’s party has been seeking to rebuild its parliamentary representation after a period of electoral decline, and Ginzburg’s addition provides experienced legislative support as the party seeks to establish itself as a viable centrist alternative to both Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and the further-left opposition parties.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.