Bennett Challenges Netanyahu's Right-Wing Credentials, Cites Land Transfers

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett released a new video on social media addressing criticism that voting for him is akin to voting for the left. In the video, Bennett emphasizes his Zionist values and military service, including in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit and as a company commander in Maglan. He calls for national unity, stating that those who protested at Kaplan Street and later fought in Gaza are no less valuable than him. Bennett then pivots to directly challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing identity, questioning if certain historical decisions and diplomatic moves by Netanyahu align with right-wing ideology. The video cites Netanyahu's transfer of 13% of Judea and Samaria, the transfer of $1.5 billion to Hamas, the handover of Hebron, and the Bar-Ilan speech where he expressed support for a two-state solution. Archival footage shows Netanyahu advocating for a Palestinian state and voting for the disengagement from Gush Katif. Bennett contrasts this with his own stance, asserting, "I did not give an inch of land and Netanyahu transferred many areas. I did not transfer, I always fought against this thing." He expresses strong distrust of the Palestinian leadership, stating, "I don't believe the Palestinians one bit. Most Palestinians want to murder you, me, and them too." Bennett highlights the foundational law requiring a referendum for territorial concessions as a key mechanism that prevented and will prevent future land transfers, noting it was a coalition demand he previously championed. Archival footage shows him arguing in the Knesset that such a law could have prevented the disengagement. The video concludes with a statement that choosing Bennett is choosing the "real right," and Bennett's message of "unity and statemanship."