Netanyahu's ministers warn of a split right-wing vote after Benny Gantz quit Israel's election race eight days before polling

Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar urged small right-wing parties polling near the threshold to follow Benny Gantz out of the race. He warned that wasted votes could hand power to the left, as they did in 1992. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich accused smaller factions of risking a government dependent on Arab parties. Israelis will elect 120 Knesset members on October 27.

Gadi Eisenkot hailed Gantz's Blue and White withdrawal as 'correct and responsible'.

Ofer Winter's People of Israel party refused to quit, saying its candidacy now matters more.

Polls show up to a third of Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power backers are first-time voters.