Bennett Open to Netanyahu Serving as Minister in His Government
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he would allow Benjamin Netanyahu to be a minister in his government, but not prime minister. Bennett also criticized past policies on Jerusalem construction and the Jerusalem Day march, contrasting Netanyahu's actions with his own. He further attacked National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over rising "protection money" rackets and proposed declaring Qatar an enemy state due to its support for Hamas.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naftali Bennett would permit Benjamin Netanyahu to serve as a minister in his government, but not as prime minister.
- Bennett claimed Netanyahu acceded to pressure from Joe Biden to freeze construction in Jerusalem.
- Bennett criticized Netanyahu's government for changing the Jerusalem Day march route due to Hamas threats.
- Bennett stated that protection money rackets are at a historic peak under Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Bennett proposed declaring Qatar an enemy state and empowering Egypt to counter Hamas.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated on Sunday that he would be willing to have Benjamin Netanyahu serve as a minister in a government led by him, but not as prime minister. Speaking at the "HaDor" conference, Bennett clarified that if Netanyahu accepts all of his government's demands, he would not object to him holding a ministerial position. However, when asked if he would agree to Netanyahu serving as prime minister, Bennett responded negatively.
Bennett also commented on past policies regarding Jerusalem and settlement construction. He claimed that during Joe Biden's presidency, pressure was applied to Israel to freeze construction, a demand he asserted Netanyahu had acceded to. "I entered office and we returned to building," Bennett said, adding that he told Biden that "Jerusalem is the capital of one people, Israel," but committed to not making it a political issue. He also criticized Netanyahu's government for changing the route of the Jerusalem Day flag march in 2021 due to Hamas threats, calling it a "disgrace" and stating that Hamas responded by firing rockets. Bennett contrasted this with his own tenure as prime minister a year later, when he insisted the march proceed despite opposition, and nothing happened.
Furthermore, Bennett attacked National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, claiming that the phenomenon of "protection money" rackets is at a "historic peak." He criticized Ben-Gvir for focusing on "TikTok" videos rather than addressing the severity of the situation. Bennett also criticized the current government's policy towards Hamas, deeming it unacceptable to allow trucks into Gaza and consider it acceptable. He proposed declaring Qatar an enemy state due to its support for Hamas and suggested empowering Egypt, which he believes hates Hamas, to play a more central role in countering the organization.
Mentioned
