Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz announced on Monday evening that Dr. Aliza Bloch, an educator and former mayor of Beit Shemesh, has joined the party’s slate.
Bloch, who has also been living in Kiryat Shmona for the past two years, made national unity a central consideration in her decision to join Gantz.
The move comes after Bloch previously joined the party established by former Knesset members Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein. Following Erdan’s departure from the race, she is now moving to Gantz’s slate.
Gantz welcomed her decision, saying, "The State of Israel must establish a broad Zionist government that will enable us to confront the country's challenges." He added, "Aliza, who has demonstrated through her actions her ability to bridge different parts of society, is a significant addition to the Blue and White slate."
Bloch explained that her decision to enter politics was driven by her desire to work toward national unity and for future generations. "My commitment has always been, and remains, to the value of unity and to improving the lives of Israel's citizens. After October 7, we no longer have the privilege of thinking otherwise," she said.
She said that joining Gantz reflects the path she seeks to advance in public life. "Today, there is no one in the political arena who represents unity more than Benny Gantz. After years of internal struggles, Israel's future depends on our ability to build bridges and bring together different parts of the nation," she said.
Bloch highlighted the rehabilitation of cities and communities in the north and south, strengthening the education system, and lowering the intensity of public discourse as issues she intends to focus on. She said that bringing different parts of society together is intended to make it possible to address these issues.
"In the journey I began many years ago, built around partnership and consensus, I now continue alongside Benny," Bloch added. "This is not just another stop, but a natural step and the mission of my life along the path I have been following for a long time."