Gantz Platform: No Palestinian State Yet, But Shabbos Buses Approved

The official platform of Blue and White remains a mystery, but it’s set to be revealed later Tuesday. But the general lines of the platform were laid out Tuesday in an interview by Chili Tropper, who, along with Yesh Atid MK Ofer Shelach and Yehuda and Shomron activist Yoaz Hendel, authored the document.

In the interview with 103 Radio, Tropper said that the party was committed to full security for Israel, and would wait to see what President Donald Trump would propose with his “deal of the century” peace plan. The platform makes no specific commitments on withdrawal from land or the establishment of a Palestinian state, he said, adding that “I would remind everyone that it was the right that gave over 40 percent of Yehuda and Shomron to the Palestinians, and we are not in control of those areas. Binyamin Netanyahu gave up Chevron, and the Likud evacuated Gush Katif.”

If an opportunity for genuine negotiations arises, however, the party would embrace it, “without compromising our security,” Tropper said. A Palestinian state is not on the agenda “right now, and we are not going to announce borders in advance of negotiations. That would be irresponsible. Unlike the Likud government, we are not going to say things and retract them. Right now there is no chance for negotiations because there is no one on the other side to talk to, who will be prepared to accept a final settlement and recognize Israel as a Jewish state,” he said, adding that a government led by Benny Gantz would “strengthen” the settlement blocs.

Regarding other areas of concern, Tropper said that the official platform would make things clearer. “There are hundreds of sections, dealing with everything from health to transportation to education, welfare, and more. In these areas the Likud does not have any positions,” he added.

One thing the party has committed to is public transportation on Shabbos “in large cities with secular populations, and in areas where it will not interfere with religious and traditional population, depending on the decision of a local authority,” Yediot Acharonot reported Monday.