Gantz withdraws from Israel's election race

Former Israeli army chief and defence minister Benny Gantz has withdrawn from the October 27 election as polls showed his party below the Knesset threshold.

• Benny Gantz announced Monday he will not contest the October 27 election after polls showed Blue and White below the 3.25 percent Knesset threshold.
• Gantz said he will "continue to work for unity."
• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warned small right-wing parties to consider a similar withdrawal to avoid wasting votes.