Following a Kan 11 poll projecting 7 seats for a Gantz-Smakhi-Hendel union, Benny Gantz has expanded his coalition talks, reaching out to Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch and additional reservist organizations to broaden the 'third bloc' under his leadership, according to Kan.
Benny Gantz is expanding his political outreach after a new Kan 11 poll projected 7 seats for a potential Gantz-Dedi Smakhi-Yoaz Hendel joint slate, according to a Kan report Thursday evening. Gantz has approached Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch, a figure associated with moderate religious-Zionist and municipal leadership, and is also in talks with additional reservist organizations. The moves aim to broaden the "third bloc" — a coalition of centrist and reserve-service-oriented groups under Gantz's leadership, distinct from both the Likud-led bloc and the opposition. The development follows The Zioneer's earlier reports of Gantz and Smakhi planning a united party with joint leadership, and Yoaz Hendel's expected joining in third place. It remains unclear whether Bloch or the reservist groups will formally join the slate, or whether these talks reflect exploration or binding commitments.
- DevelopingGantz, Dedi Smakhi reportedly planning new united party — Yoaz Hendel may join leadership
- DevelopingAmit Segal reports Gantz-Smakhi party will have co-leadership, Hendel in 3rd spot
- DevelopingZelicha reportedly nearing electoral partnership with Gantz or Smakhi; Hendel option recedes
- DevelopingGantz says Eisenkot wants to 'decide the other camp', will also go with the Arabs
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