Bennett Declares Diplomatic Emergency, Criticizes Netanyahu

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Achva" party, has declared a "diplomatic emergency" in Israel, asserting that the country's international standing has been severely damaged under the current government. Speaking to reporters, Bennett accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of engaging in a "blood libel" by suggesting betrayal regarding the handling of the war, calling Netanyahu's statements the most severe he has heard from an Israeli leader. Bennett argued that Netanyahu is deliberately fostering a narrative of betrayal among Israelis for political gain.

Bennett emphasized that Israel's external diplomatic strength relies on internal unity, which he claims is lacking. He stated that while the IDF is succeeding on the battlefield, political decisions are being made far from Jerusalem, with foreign leaders shaping Israel's future and hostile nations defining its borders. Bennett pledged that his next government would declare a diplomatic emergency and implement measures to restore Israel's standing, which he described as having been in a "crash" for four years.

Addressing relations with the United States, Bennett expressed concern over a decline in American public opinion towards Israel. He outlined a plan to improve Israel's standing among US citizens, highlighting the critical importance of the US alliance for battlefield and diplomatic success. Bennett praised President Trump as a highly supportive leader but lamented the absence of a suitable Israeli partner to achieve diplomatic victories, contrasting this with politicians who he claimed obstruct progress.

Bennett also detailed his strategy for other regional fronts. Regarding Iran, he advocated for continuing the "octopus strategy" to impose direct costs on Iran and reviving a plan to weaken the regime, which he initiated as prime minister but was halted. For Lebanon, he proposed exploiting a unique window of opportunity to achieve significant gains, including dismantling Hezbollah through economic pressure and political maneuvers supporting the Lebanese government, while maintaining a security buffer zone until the terrorist organization is disarmed. He called for security agreements with Syria to help distance Turkey and secure recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

In Gaza, Bennett vowed to complete the mission of dismantling Hamas, which he accused the outgoing government of failing to achieve. He proposed removing Qatar and Turkey, whom he believes support Hamas, and involving Egypt and other nations committed to Hamas's dismantling. Bennett envisions a new Middle East where Israel leads, rather than being overwhelmed, and is central to regional affairs. He aims to transform Israel from an isolated nation into a hub for significant economic projects, like IMEC, potentially bringing hundreds of billions of dollars and establishing Israel as a regional power center with shared interests with global powers.

Bennett also committed to expanding the Abraham Accords, noting that the current situation where most Arab leaders do not answer the Israeli prime minister's calls is not inevitable. He stressed the importance of maintaining Israel's qualitative advantage in the region and preventing uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia without a normalization commitment, which he claimed Netanyahu is allowing. He also mentioned ongoing efforts with Yair Lapid to address a significant crisis with Europe, engaging with countries that have adopted anti-Israel resolutions, seeking to delay or mitigate these decisions.