I’m not a short-distance runner, says Benny Gantz as his party crumbles

Four members of Kahol Lavon, three of them cabinet ministers, this week informed the party leader, defense minister Benny Gantz, of their departure, nearly three months before the general election. Some are following Justice Minister Avi Nisenkorn over to Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai’s new party. Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi says he is taking time-out from politics.

Refusing to be fazed by his crumbling following, Gantz announced on Thursday night: “I’m here to stay for another eight years. When I went into politics, I committed to dedicating ten years. Two have passed. But I am no short distance runner.”