Naftali Bennett Explains Why His Politics Shifted

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett said in an interview on the UNHOLY podcast that his political views have changed because he still likes backing the underdog, but the identity of that underdog has shifted over time. He said, “I love to support the underdog, so 15 years ago I was on the right. Today the underdog is the high-tech people in Herzliya and Tel Aviv.”

Bennett, who leads the Yachad party, has recently faced heavy criticism from right-wing municipal leaders and political figures over his remarks about the future of agricultural farms and settlement in Judea and Samaria. He also triggered a political storm after saying he would evacuate illegal construction in the territories.

At a JNS conference, Bennett tried to redraw the limits of his positions on security and diplomacy. “I am still right-wing, but I am not a schmuck,” he said. He added, “Being right-wing means standing by principles, not allowing a Palestinian state. But being right-wing does not mean being an idiot and tweeting nonstop.”