Former PM Bennett Slams Yair Netanyahu as 'Despicable' Architect of 'Poison Machine'

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has launched a scathing attack on Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and associates of the premier, whom Bennett accuses of operating a "poison machine" that disseminates harmful messages and "dismantles Israel." In an interview with Ronny Kovan on Kan 11's "Meeting," scheduled to air Saturday night, Bennett described Yair Netanyahu as a "despicable person" standing at the head of this "terrible poison machine."

Bennett elaborated that the "poison machine" is a small group of advisors close to Prime Minister Netanyahu, alleging they identify opportunities to spread negative messages among Israeli citizens, all under the Prime Minister's direction. He claimed these individuals, including Jonathan Uriach, receive funding from Qatar. Bennett asserted a disconnect between Netanyahu's public state messages and the offensive statements made by those around him, including attacks on bereaved families.

As a personal example, Bennett recounted how rumors were spread that his mother, whose family was annihilated in the Holocaust, was Christian. He described the pain caused by these "abominable" and "despicable" rumors, particularly when people close to his mother repeated them, citing an instance where a Pilates class participant congratulated her for "joining our people."

Bennett also criticized television host and MK Yinon Magal, stating he "sold his soul to the devil." The former prime minister further revealed that rumors about his separation from his wife, Gilat, were also spread without his knowledge, only learning about them when asked.

During the interview, Bennett also addressed the "poison machine's" alleged role in labeling Benny Gantz as an "Iranian agent" and its use of various media outlets and presenters to disseminate its messages, mentioning Yaakov Bardugo and Channel 14 in this context.