Former PM Bennett Slams Finance Minister Smotrich Over Election Tactics

Former Israeli Prime Minister and "Yahad" party leader Naftali Bennett launched a sharp attack against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, criticizing a controversial AI-generated video released by Smotrich's party that depicted senior members of the judiciary being dragged through the streets. Bennett called Smotrich "the architect of evasion and division in the State of Israel" and stated that voters and the national religious public should "vomit out this disgusting thing."

Bennett also addressed public outcry over the documentary "Nezah" (Eternal), strongly condemning its creators while opposing calls to revoke their citizenship. He argued that while the creators are "despicable people," revoking their citizenship would be a "huge own goal" that would amplify the film's reach globally. Bennett asserted that the IDF's "collateral damage" calculation mechanism logically refutes genocide claims, but stressed that if officers revealed classified information in the film, it constitutes a criminal offense requiring legal action.

Regarding the Gaza conflict, Bennett dismissed claims that Hamas has been defeated, stating that despite military achievements, Hamas is rearming and enriching itself through aid trucks. He accused the government of being trapped in a flawed concept, allowing Qatar and Turkey to dictate Gaza's future.

On the issue of equal burden-sharing, Bennett proposed a strict policy: "Whoever does not enlist or work will not receive a shekel." He believes his party is focused on professional leadership ready for immediate work, prioritizing education and transportation, and aims to win 61 Knesset seats in the upcoming elections.