Report: Current and former Likud members talked to Gantz about alternative party

Sam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

Outgoing defense minister Benny Gantz (left) embraces his successor Yoav Gallant, at military headquarters in Tel Aviv, January 1, 2023. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)
Illustrative: Outgoing defense minister Benny Gantz (left) embraces his successor Yoav Gallant, at military headquarters in Tel Aviv, January 1, 2023. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)

Several current and former Likud members said to be involved in efforts to establish a more “statesmanlike” alternative to the ruling Likud party have reportedly been in contact with Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz but failed to come to an agreement to work together, Channel 12 reports.

According to the network, both sides believe in a broad-based Zionist coalition and have not ruled out sitting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Gantz was not willing to give up control of the party, the report states.

Speaking with The Times of Israel, a source familiar with the matter denies the report, stating that it is incorrect, “and they know it.”

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