Bennett Accuses Netanyahu of Spreading 'Betrayal' Narrative for Political Gain

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett launched a sharp attack on current opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu during a briefing with diplomatic correspondents on Thursday, outlining his foreign policy vision ahead of elections. Bennett called Netanyahu's recent statements "infamous accusations," stating he could not recall such a grave declaration from an Israeli leader. "He knows millions of Israelis believe it, and he continues with all his might to make them think there was a betrayal," Bennett asserted.

Bennett described Israel as being in a "diplomatic emergency," arguing that while the IDF is winning on the battlefield three years after October 7, victory is not being achieved. He criticized a situation where he believes foreign leaders are making decisions about Israel's future. He also indicated a potential alliance with Yair Lapid to unify the anti-government bloc.

Regarding relations with the United States, Bennett presented a plan to restore Israel's standing with the American public. He praised Donald Trump as the "most favorable president we could hope for" but stated that there is currently no Israeli partner capable of translating this support into diplomatic successes.

On Iran, Bennett pledged to continue his "octopus strategy" to make Tehran pay directly and to revive a program aimed at weakening the Iranian regime. For the northern front, he advocated for dismantling Hezbollah through economic and diplomatic pressure, supporting the Lebanese government while maintaining a security zone until the organization is disarmed. He also seeks security agreements with Syria to distance Turkey and foster recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Bennett committed to "completing the mission" in Gaza by dismantling Hamas, proposing to exclude Qatar and Turkey, whom he accused of aiding Hamas, and to substitute them with Egypt and other countries supportive of Hamas's demise. He concluded by stating, "A new Middle East is taking shape before our eyes, but instead of Israel being at its head, it is happening at our expense," promising to expand peace agreements in the region and oppose any uranium enrichment on Saudi soil.