Report: Gantz was swayed by bad polls, a call from Aryeh Deri

26 March 2020, 9:26 pm

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Channel 12 reports on two major factors in Benny Gantz’s decision to move forward with a bid for unity despite the prospect of tearing apart Blue and White.

First was internal Blue and White polling that confirmed the party had suffered serious damage in public opinion for attempting, and failing, to form a minority government with the support of the Joint List. Polls showed a new election would see Benjamin Netanyahu, also buoyed by the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, achieve a 61-seat majority in parliament for his bloc.

The second was a phone call from Shas leader Aryeh Deri, who promised him he would ensure that any agreements with Netanyahu would be honored. Gantz was apparently convinced of his candor.