Israel Resilience Party leader Benny Gantz's first political speech on Tuesday was replete with hubris. Perched up in his 6-foot-5-inch height, he looked down at us and announced, "On April 9, I shall form a government that is above the political fray."
Polls show his party is projected to win only about 20 seats. Thus, it is unlikely that he will get the presidential nod to form a government.
During his speech, he mentioned how he would govern seven times. "A government without masters or servants, without illicit gifts or cronies that act like clowns," he said at one point.
In another part of the speech he said his government will "project force against enemies and connect Israelis."
He also attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for being modern-day Louis XIV, accusing Netanyahu of harboring the same belief that "l'état, c'est moi." But that didn't stop Gantz from talking about himself, using "I" or "me" about 30 times.
His 1,662-word speech was replete with hollow statements such as "we are one people, we all share the same flag, anthem and military," "I am proud of our country" and "it is time for leadership that brings people together."
His criticism of Netanyahu was reserved, uttering his name only twice. But even this showed hubris, by saying, "Thank you for your 10 years of service – we can take it from here."
With all due respect, Mr. Gantz, the people haven't spoken yet. Why is Gantz already claiming to know what the future holds for Netanyahu before the votes have even been cast?
The speech had no specifics, and the former chief of general staff did not rule out joining a Netanyahu government so long as he has not been officially indicted for corruption. Gantz said that "the mere fact that a prime minister could continue to serve while being on trial is ridiculous."
A final decision on whether to indict Netanyahu could take another two years. How will Gantz act until then? Will he refuse to join a Likud-led coalition for the time being?
Gantz said that "my government will be above the political fray, and will pursue peace, and not pass up on any opportunity to effect regional change, but if it turns out that peace is not within reach, we will create a new reality." That statement said nothing about Gantz's goals and why he is running.
I was not impressed by the threats he leveled at Israel's enemies, from Iran to Hamas, which carried the overall message of "don't test me."
By making reference to the former Hamas military wing commander Ahmad Jabari, he wanted to remind people that he, as the Israel Defense Forces chief seven years ago, presided over his assassination. This was his way of telling current terrorist leaders that they could expect a miserable life if he becomes prime minister.
Israel is doing much better than Gantz would like us to believe. Such general statements on how it is "unacceptable to have an entire generation grow up without hope" or that "we are going to once again become a society that allows its children to get a worthy education" underscore shallowness and a disconnect.
