Naftali Bennett Opposes Palestinian State, Supports E1 Settlement Expansion

Former Israeli Prime Minister and Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett spoke at the "Friday Culture" event in Rishon LeZion on August 28, 2026, addressing key national issues including ultra-Orthodox conscription, the Iran threat, Gaza security, settlement construction in E1, and the prospect of a Palestinian state.

On ultra-Orthodox military service, Bennett advocated for zero exemptions, stating, "Whoever does not serve in the IDF will not receive a shekel from the state." He proposed establishing Hesder yeshivas along the Jordan Valley and Egypt border that combine Torah study with army service. Bennett also vowed to cut state funding for those who neither serve nor work, emphasizing that he would not enforce conscription by police but would withhold financial support. He further called for ultra-Orthodox schools to include secular subjects like math, English, Zionism, and democracy to receive government funding.

Regarding Gaza, Bennett condemned the recent surge in incendiary balloon attacks, declaring a policy of "zero tolerance" and stating, "Whoever launches a terror balloon at Israel deserves death." On Iran, he urged a long-term campaign involving economic, diplomatic, cyber, and opposition support alongside military actions to accelerate the regime's downfall, recalling his "Octopus Doctrine" during his premiership.

Bennett strongly supported settlement expansion in the E1 area near Maale Adumim, countering former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot's opposition. He said, "Whoever opposes a Palestinian state should support settlement in E1," highlighting its strategic role in connecting Jerusalem and Maale Adumim.

On the question of a Palestinian state, Bennett was unequivocal: "I am opposed to a Palestinian state, period," and maintained this stance under any scenario. He warned that even a demilitarized Palestinian state would pose an irreversible security threat, potentially opening borders to millions of Palestinian refugees from Arab countries.

Bennett's remarks outline a hardline approach on security, settlement policy, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing integration of the ultra-Orthodox into national service and rejecting Palestinian statehood.