Gantz says now ‘not the time to engage in politics,’ after Sa’ar faction quits party

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz appears to criticize erstwhile ally Gideon Sa’ar, declaring that “this is not the time to engage in politics,” during a press conference held less than a day after an alliance between the two politicians’ parties broke apart.

Addressing reporters in the Knesset, Gantz, who until yesterday was the leader of the National Unity faction, declares that, “despite everything, we must continue to fight together at this time.”

“Reality does not wait, the world does not wait. The hostages are waiting. The evacuees are waiting,” he says.

“I hope the entire country’s leadership understands this. More than ever, this is the time to act with responsibility and in a statesmanlike manner, and do what is right for Israel. Excuse me, but this is not the time to engage in politics. The issue is not me or my party, but the State of Israel,” he says.

“Now we must concentrate on unifying, on what is correct, and victory. After the fighting is over, we will go to elections. Anyone who runs will explain what he is proposing, and what he did during this difficult period for the sake of the country,” he continues. “This is how my friends and I behave, this is what is expected of everyone.”

Demanding to join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar announced the breakup of the National Unity faction on Tuesday evening, explaining that the unified list did “not convey the voice, positions and emphasis that I would bring” to that decision-making body.

Sa’ar said he decided “to end the partnership with the Blue and White party and immediately re-establish the New Hope faction… as an independent faction, which will clearly express our national and civil worldview.”

Gantz’s initial response was a terse two word tweet in Hebrew wishing Sa’ar “thanks and good luck.”