Former PM Bennett Describes Intense Personal Attacks During Premiership

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett revealed in a recent podcast interview that he and his wife endured "movie-level" public vilification during his term. He described a "poison machine" that targeted him and his children with false accusations, including claims of betrayal, his wife being Christian, and an exorbitant home renovation.

Bennett stated that these accusations were lies and that he left the country in a good state, intending not to return to politics until his son, then 11, finished military service. He expressed shock at the "value destruction" he witnessed in 2023, particularly before October 7th, attributing it to the actions of figures he identified as Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, Der'i, and Bibi, whom he accused of "destroying the country."

Bennett also discussed his perception of Israel's weakening before the October 7th attacks, noting a significant decline in economic, social, and internal strength, which he illustrated with charts showing a 30% drop in overall strength and a 70% market value decrease prior to the events.

When asked about his motivation for returning to politics and forming the "Achva" party with Yair Lapid, Bennett cited his ambition and a primary drive to "save the country." He explained that the previous coalition, spanning from the moderate right to the far left, did not accurately reflect the nation's composition. As he held dual roles as Prime Minister and head of the right-wing bloc, he felt it was essential for a right-wing leader to be Prime Minister for him to remain involved, a nuance he believed left-wing members did not grasp.