Former PM Bennett Claims Hamas Leader Sinwar Preferred Netanyahu

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated in a recent interview that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar preferred Benjamin Netanyahu to be prime minister over himself. Bennett told Channel 12's "The Political Kitchen" that Sinwar considered him "crazy" due to his policies against Hamas during his premiership, asserting that the Hamas leader "hated" him for not giving the organization respite and for constant attacks.

Bennett claimed this information came from former hostages who heard Sinwar's sentiments. When questioned about the timing, as he was not in office during Netanyahu's return to power, Bennett clarified he was referring to Sinwar's perception of him during his tenure. He recounted Sinwar calling him "Banet is majnoon," which translates to "Banet is crazy."

Bennett confirmed the information was based on intelligence received during his time as prime minister and also heard from hostages. He reiterated firmly that Sinwar wanted Netanyahu as prime minister.

This is not the first time Bennett has made similar claims. In July, he stated he knew "factually, operationally" that Sinwar viewed him as an unpredictable leader, citing two different sources. Bennett then criticized Netanyahu's conduct before the October 7th attacks, referencing the establishment of a Hezbollah tent near the border and the Magiddo junction attack, arguing Netanyahu avoided significant responses. He also claimed Netanyahu did not react to Hamas riots near the Gaza border fence.

Bennett accused Netanyahu of projecting weakness and fear, thereby eroding deterrence. He suggested that Sinwar, Hassan Nasrallah, and Ali Khamenei observed Israel's actions and drew conclusions. Responding to a potential argument that Israel eventually eliminated its enemies, Bennett stated it came at a heavy price after atrocities, emphasizing that a prime minister's role is to prevent attacks, not just react to them.