Bennett Blames Netanyahu Directly for October 7th Massacre, Vows to Prevent Ultra-Orthodox Party in Next Government

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has directly accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of bearing "direct and personal responsibility" for the October 7th Hamas attacks, rejecting the notion that his culpability is merely ministerial. Bennett stated that Netanyahu "fattened Hamas for 14 years, turning a small terror organization into a giant monster," and "fixed the perception, together with Smotrich, that Hamas is an asset." He further alleged that Netanyahu "contained" Hamas and Hezbollah attacks in the weeks preceding the massacre, projecting an image of "terrible weakness," and that he "tore the nation apart" by ignoring warnings.

Bennett shared a personal account of speaking with a young man from Kfar Aza on October 7th, whose parents were murdered before his eyes. The survivor hid under his bed, and Bennett communicated with him via WhatsApp, offering encouragement until rescue arrived. This experience, Bennett said, highlighted the disconnect between the reality on the ground and the authorities' response.

Looking ahead, Bennett declared he would not serve in a government led by Netanyahu, whom he called "the person destroying the State of Israel" and leading the country towards "fratricidal war." He also drew a clear red line against including any "anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox party" in the next government, citing concerns about their refusal to work, pay taxes, or serve in the IDF, and warning that "in a few years there will be 4 million ultra-Orthodox and we will be committing suicide."

Bennett also addressed the issue of Jewish nationalist violence in the West Bank, stating it harms settlers themselves and promising administrative measures against it. He criticized Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for not doing enough to combat the phenomenon. Additionally, he advocated for limiting the tenure of public officials to eight years, stating that prolonged service can lead to delusions of grandeur, a change in his stance since October 7th.

Despite polls suggesting his party is struggling, Bennett claimed a recent upward trend over the past two weeks, attributing it to his direct engagement with former Likud voters in their strongholds. He emphasized that his primary goal is not to become prime minister again, but to ensure the "bloc" wins and to reform Israel, particularly addressing the burden on working citizens who fund those not serving in the army or workforce.