Gantz: ‘I don’t want to win the civil war Netanyahu is trying to ignite, I want to prevent it’

National Unity party leader Benny Gantz criticizes both the new government and some of his partners in the new opposition at the outset of his first faction meeting after the formation of Netanyahu’s coalition last week.

Accusing the government of promoting extreme and inflammatory policies and moves with the aim of extricating Netanyahu from his ongoing corruption trial, Gantz says other members of the opposition are only serving the premier by making “unstately” moves such as forgoing formal handover events.

“My friends and I intend to take part in any opposition parliamentary initiative that would topple this dangerous government,” he says. “But dignified behavior is the basis for being able to voice criticism of the government that will be widely accepted. Being vengeful isn’t only immoral — it is ineffective.

“I don’t want to win the civil war Netanyahu is trying to ignite — I want to prevent it. I don’t want to give power to extremists, I want to present an alternative,” he says.