In the run-up to Israel’s October 27 election, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has voiced serious concerns about the political climate fostered by current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett has accused Netanyahu of orchestrating a polarizing political strategy that could heighten the risk of violence against those opposing his leadership. Bennett’s remarks come in conjunction with the release of a book detailing his political journey, where he criticizes Netanyahu’s increasingly authoritarian tactics and accuses media networks aligned with him of disseminating hostile rhetoric against political adversaries.
Among those Bennett is particularly worried about is Gadi Eisenkot, a notable challenger to Netanyahu. Bennett warns that persistent political rhetoric might push some individuals to perceive opposition figures as foes, potentially inciting violence. Reflecting on his own experience, Bennett recalls the power transition in 2021, noting that Netanyahu had cautioned him against forming alliances with parties that opposed him. Bennett admits he underestimated the intensity of the political backlash he faced after doing so.
On the topic of national security, Bennett has criticized Netanyahu’s administration for its handling of Iran’s nuclear ambitions between 2018 and 2021, suggesting that it fell short in adequately preparing for the evolving threat. In contrast, Bennett claims that upon taking office, his government took significant steps to enhance intelligence and military readiness, which he believes played a crucial role in enabling Israel to carry out effective operations against Iranian targets.
In a notable shift in his stance, Bennett has now voiced support for implementing term limits for Israeli prime ministers, a reversal from his previous position on the matter. As the election date approaches, Bennett has expressed his willingness to collaborate with other opposition leaders to thwart the possibility of another Netanyahu-led administration, even if it requires him to accept a diminished role in the political landscape.