Former PM Naftali Bennett Rules Out Rotation Deal With Netanyahu

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated on Wednesday that his party will not agree to a rotation of the premiership with current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett explicitly declared that Netanyahu bears "personal and direct responsibility for October 7th" and "must go home."

Bennett's remarks were made at a real estate media conference and came in response to comments by former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen. Cohen, associated with Gadi Eisenkot's "Yisrael" party, had suggested the possibility of political cooperation with the Likud party after the upcoming elections, provided Netanyahu was not prime minister.

Bennett expressed concern that discussions about a rotation deal were distracting from the goal of forming a "stable Zionist government." He emphasized that his party's position is firm and that such a scenario would not be permitted under his party's watch.

Cohen had previously indicated in an interview that the "Yisrael" party was open to joining a coalition with Likud, contingent on Netanyahu not serving as prime minister. He also mentioned potential cooperation with the Religious Zionism party, depending on his party's principles.