Naftali Bennett, Israel’s former Prime Minister, has leveled sharp criticism against current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of fostering a divisive political atmosphere that could escalate the risk of violence towards political adversaries as Israel gears up for its election on October 27. In an interview related to a newly released book about his own political journey, Bennett characterized Netanyahu’s leadership as increasingly authoritarian. He also accused political and media allies of Netanyahu of propagating inflammatory rhetoric against those who oppose him.
Bennett voiced significant concern for Gadi Eisenkot, whom he regards as a principal contender against Netanyahu. He cautioned that persistent political assaults could potentially lead individuals to perceive opposition figures as adversaries, inciting them to acts of violence. Reflecting on the power handover in 2021, Bennett recalled Netanyahu’s warning against forming a coalition with anti-Netanyahu factions, which he claimed would trigger an aggressive political backlash—a threat Bennett admitted he underestimated.
On the topic of Iran, Bennett criticized Netanyahu’s administration for what he perceives as inadequate measures in countering Iran’s nuclear advancements from 2018 to 2021. He asserted that his tenure as prime minister saw enhancements in intelligence, military strategy, and preparedness, which he claims facilitated Israel’s successful operations against Iranian targets.
Bennett has also revised his stance on the tenure of Israeli prime ministers, now advocating for the implementation of term limits, a reversal from his earlier position on the matter. With the forthcoming election, Bennett has signaled his willingness to collaborate with other opposition leaders to block another government under Netanyahu’s leadership, even if it entails him taking on a less prominent role politically.