Ex-army chiefs to contest Israel polls on single list

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) gestures as he stands next to the former Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon and Chief of Staff General Benny Gantz (R) at the end of a press conference at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem, on 27 August 2014 [THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images]

Two former army chiefs, Benny Gantz and Moshe Yaalon, have agreed to run on a single list in Israel’s upcoming parliamentary polls, local media reported Tuesday, Anadolu Agency reports.

Gantz served as army chief-of-staff from 2011 to 2015.

Yaalon held the same position from 2002 to 2005 before serving as defense minister from 2013 to 2016.

According to the Jerusalem Post, Gantz is seen as the most viable challenger to incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in general elections slated for April.

Late last year, members of Israel’s coalition government decided to call early elections following a dispute over military service legislation.

READ: Gantz’ election videos shouldn’t come as a surprise

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