Former PM Naftali Bennett Accuses Netanyahu of Weakness, Cites Hamas Leader's Preference

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar preferred Netanyahu to be in power over himself.

In an interview with the Knesset Channel podcast, Bennett stated, "I do know that Sinwar wanted Netanyahu's victory. Sinwar despised me because I didn't give them a break, we attacked all the time." He further elaborated that during elections in which he did not run, Sinwar desired Netanyahu's victory, reportedly calling Bennett "crazy." Bennett claimed this sentiment was conveyed through hostages who heard Sinwar express a wish for Netanyahu to be prime minister, a point he noted was also reported by Channel 12 News, suggesting Netanyahu was more accommodating.

Bennett also criticized Netanyahu's handling of the northern border, citing an incident in 2022 where Hezbollah erected a tent on Israeli territory. Bennett asserted that Netanyahu displayed weakness and fear, thereby damaging Israel's deterrence capabilities.

This latest criticism follows Bennett's recent strong attack on the coalition leadership from the Hostages Square protest, where he labeled them as "symbolizing the terrible failure of the October 7th government that has yet to be investigated." He issued a "strategic security warning," claiming that personnel shortages are costing soldiers' lives and directly blaming the leadership. Bennett accused Netanyahu, Deri, and Smotrich of ignoring the Chief of Staff's warnings about a deficit of 20,000 soldiers, thereby dismantling the IDF.