Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has voiced concerns about the potential for increased political violence ahead of Israel’s election on October 27, attributing it to the divisive campaign tactics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett accused Netanyahu of leading a campaign that could incite hostility towards political opponents, particularly highlighting the risk to Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent challenger to Netanyahu. He warned that the aggressive political rhetoric could lead to some individuals perceiving opposition figures as adversaries, potentially resulting in violent actions against them.
In his remarks, which coincide with the release of a book detailing his political career, Bennett criticized Netanyahu’s leadership style as increasingly authoritarian. He pointed out that pro-Netanyahu political and media networks have been instrumental in disseminating hostile rhetoric against rivals. Reflecting on his own experiences, Bennett recounted his transition to power in 2021. He claimed that Netanyahu had cautioned him that partnering with anti-Netanyahu factions to form a government would provoke an intense political campaign against him, a warning that Bennett admitted he underestimated at the time.
Turning to security matters, Bennett accused Netanyahu’s administration of inadequate preparations against Iran’s burgeoning nuclear capabilities from 2018 to 2021. Bennett asserted that during his tenure as prime minister, his government enhanced intelligence and military planning, which bolstered Israel’s ability to execute successful operations targeting Iranian interests. He suggested that these efforts were pivotal in countering Iran’s nuclear advancements.
In a shift from his earlier stance, Bennett now advocates for implementing term limits for Israeli prime ministers, a position he previously opposed. As the election nears, he expressed a willingness to collaborate with other opposition leaders to thwart another Netanyahu-led government, even if it means accepting a less significant role in the political landscape.