Bennett Attacks Netanyahu's Son, Screenwriter Defends Him

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett launched a sharp attack against Yair Netanyahu, the son of the current Prime Minister, and those close to him. In an interview with Roni Kuban on Kan 11's "Meeting," Bennett criticized what he called a "poison machine," accusing it of spreading offensive messages and citing a disturbing rumor spread about Netanyahu's mother. Bennett claimed that Netanyahu's advisors conduct negative campaigns under the Prime Minister's direction. He personally recounted a rumor that Netanyahu's mother was Christian, despite her family being Holocaust victims. Bennett described the spreaders of such rumors as "the most despicable people" and directly accused Yair Netanyahu.

In response to Bennett's attack, screenwriter Meni Assayag defended Yair Netanyahu on Twitter, revealing personal conversations he had with him. Assayag wrote that Netanyahu confided he had been disturbed since age 5, recalling seeing a doll of himself and his mother mocked on the TV show "Hahartzufim." Assayag stated that Netanyahu's frustration intensified due to "the criminal persecution by the media."

Assayag also shared Yair Netanyahu's sentiments about his father, quoting him as saying, "If my father could block my social media, he would do it immediately. The way I express myself is not to his liking, but I am an adult. It's possible I hurt him, but I can't hold back against their hatred." Assayag concluded his remarks with a strong counter-attack against Bennett and his critics, asserting, "Netanyahu is a million times more democratic, statesmanlike, thoughtful, and restrained than they are. They are the inciters, the poisoners, and the dividers."

The current controversy continues to stir significant debate within Israel's political system.