Benny Gantz, leader of Israel's Blue and White party, stated that the Israeli public has chosen "change" and called for the formation of a "Zionist unity government that transcends political camps." This follows exit polls showing Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition trailing. Gantz said on social media, "This must be the right change." The former Israeli army chief of staff and defense minister had previously withdrawn from the Israeli election after polls indicated his party would not meet the threshold to enter parliament.