Naftali Bennett, the former Prime Minister of Israel, has leveled sharp criticism at current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of running a divisive political campaign that could potentially incite violence against his political opponents. Bennett’s remarks come as part of an interview promoting a new book detailing his political career, where he describes Netanyahu’s leadership style as increasingly authoritarian. He further claims that political and media allies of Netanyahu are disseminating hostile rhetoric against those who oppose him.
Bennett expressed particular alarm regarding the safety of Gadi Eisenkot, whom he considers a significant contender against Netanyahu. Bennett warned that the relentless political attacks could lead to some individuals perceiving opposition politicians as adversaries, potentially resulting in violent actions against them. Reflecting on the power transition in 2021, Bennett recalled how Netanyahu had cautioned him that forming a government with parties opposed to Netanyahu would trigger an intense political backlash, which Bennett admits he underestimated in scale.
Addressing the issue of Iran, Bennett criticized Netanyahu’s administration for not adequately countering Iran’s escalating nuclear threat between 2018 and 2021. Bennett claims that under his leadership as prime minister, his government bolstered efforts in intelligence, military planning, and operational readiness, which later enabled Israel to successfully target Iranian interests.
In a notable shift, Bennett has also expressed support for instituting term limits for Israeli prime ministers, a stance that marks a reversal from his previous position. As the October 27 election approaches, Bennett has signaled his willingness to work with other opposition figures to prevent Netanyahu’s return to power, even if it means taking on a less prominent role in the political landscape.