Yair Netanyahu Slams Ex-PM Bennett as 'Despicable' Amid Political Feud

Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has fiercely criticized former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett following televised remarks. Bennett had accused Yair Netanyahu of being a "despicable person" heading a "poison machine" that targets political opponents and undermines Israeli society, working alongside his father.

In response, Yair Netanyahu posted on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why a politician would attack another politician's son, especially two weeks after an alleged Iranian assassination attempt against him. He contrasted this with his father's alleged behavior, stating, "Have you ever heard my father attack the son or daughter of one of his political opponents? What garbage!"

The exchange followed an interview Bennett gave to journalist Roni Kuban on the Israeli channel Kan 11. During the interview, Bennett elaborated on Yair Netanyahu's alleged role and that of close associates in disseminating messages targeting political adversaries, public figures, and bereaved families. Bennett described the operation as a "horrible poison machine that is tearing Israel apart."

Yair Netanyahu's retort referenced reports from August detailing an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate him while he was in Miami. Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously stated that Iran attempted to kill one of his sons, with media reports later identifying Yair as the target. The Shin Bet security agency confirmed Yair's return to Israel due to a significant threat, though details were not fully disclosed.

This verbal confrontation occurs amid escalating political tensions between Bennett and Netanyahu's circles as Israeli elections approach, with mutual accusations of using media and social networks to attack opponents.