In a recent televised interview, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called for the resignation of Israel’s current leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Bennett refrained from disclosing any intentions to run against Netanyahu in a future election, leaving the political landscape uncertain.
During a recent interview with Israel’s Channel 12, former Prime Minister Bennett expressed his concerns regarding Netanyahu’s lengthy tenure, stating, “He has been in power for 20 years… that’s too much, it’s not healthy.”
Bennett criticized Netanyahu, stating that he “bears heavy responsibility for the divisions in Israeli society.” This remark comes amid increasing rifts within the nation, as Netanyahu maintains a robust support base while facing fierce opposition demanding his resignation, particularly in light of his management of the Gaza conflict since October 2023.
The former prime minister has called for Netanyahu to “must go,” highlighting a significant political shift. This right-wing leader previously allied with Netanyahu’s critics in 2021, successfully forming a coalition that ended Netanyahu’s 12-year tenure as prime minister.
The fragile coalition government, led by Bennett in partnership with the current opposition leader, Yair Lapid, ultimately collapsed after approximately one year in power. Following a series of snap elections, Netanyahu reclaimed the premiership, securing support from far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties.
Bennett, currently on a hiatus from the political arena, is reportedly contemplating a return, as recent public opinion polls indicate he might possess sufficient backing to challenge Netanyahu once more.
Currently, there are no plans for a vote before late 2026 despite early elections being a frequent occurrence in Israel.
During a Saturday interview, Bennett asserted that he was instrumental in establishing the foundation for Israel’s recent bombardment campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations.
Bennett described the decision to initiate attacks against the Islamic Republic as “very good” and “needed,” asserting that the offensive would not have been feasible without the efforts of his brief administration.
In Gaza, following Hamas’s attack in October 2023, Israel has been engaged in military operations. Bennett remarked that while the military has shown “exceptional” performance, the country’s political management has been described as “a catastrophe, a disaster.”
The former prime minister has criticized the Netanyahu government’s “inability to decide,” urging for an immediate “comprehensive” agreement aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages from Gaza.
“Leave the task of eliminating Hamas to a future government,” stated Bennett, who also sidestepped multiple inquiries regarding his intentions to pursue a political career.
