Bennett Unveils Post-Election Foreign Policy Plan, Criticizes Netanyahu

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced a comprehensive foreign policy plan on Thursday, September 3rd, vowing to declare a "foreign policy emergency" if his party forms the next government. Bennett sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of spreading "blood libel" regarding the events of October 7th and damaging Israel's international standing. Bennett stated that while the IDF is winning on the battlefield, overall victory has not been achieved, with political decisions being made by foreign leaders and hostile states shaping Israel's borders.

Bennett outlined a strategy to restore Israel's position, which he claims has been rapidly deteriorating for four years under the current government. He emphasized the need for "internal revival" to achieve a "foreign policy renaissance." A key focus will be rebuilding Israel's relationship with the United States, which Bennett described as crucial for battlefield and diplomatic success. He asserted that while President Trump is a strong ally, Netanyahu lacks a capable partner on the Israeli side to achieve diplomatic wins.

The plan addresses multiple fronts, including Iran, where Bennett pledged to continue the "octopus strategy" of directly confronting Iran and reviving a program to weaken its regime. Regarding Lebanon, he aims to disarm Hezbollah through economic pressure and diplomatic means, while maintaining a security buffer. In Syria, Bennett seeks security agreements to push out Turkey and secure recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

For Gaza, Bennett promised to complete the task of disarming Hamas, excluding Qatar and Turkey from the process and involving Egypt and other nations interested in Hamas's elimination. He lamented that Israel is absent from the diplomatic stage as a "new Middle East" emerges, vowing to transform Israel from a "pariah state" into a central player through major economic projects like IMEC, which could bring hundreds of billions of dollars and regional influence.

Bennett also aims to expand the Abraham Accords and prevent Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium, criticizing Netanyahu for allowing this without a normalization commitment. He also addressed a crisis with European states, noting that some are delaying anti-Israel measures until after Israeli elections and that his party is working to mitigate these decisions.