Bennett Criticizes Government, Ben-Gvir Defends Record, Winter Sets Conditions

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Together party, addressed the National Union of Students' youth conference, promising significant reductions in the cost of living within six to seven months, and a 30% decrease within two and a half years. He attributed potential price drops to expectations and competition, criticizing the current government as "shitty" with unprofessional ministers. Bennett recalled dismantling the Nesher monopoly as Economy Minister to foster competition and pledged to prioritize a "Servicemembers Law" if he became prime minister, offering housing, utility, and financial benefits to active reservists. He also discussed security, stating that while he fought Hezbollah and Hamas, he realized Iran was the "head of the octopus" and that Israel was "wasting our sons' blood." Bennett admitted he did not anticipate a Hamas raid but expected one from Hezbollah, and revealed that a timeline for eliminating Sinwar was set for the summer of 2022 but was not implemented due to the government's fall.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir also spoke at the conference, acknowledging imperfections in his tenure, particularly in the Negev, but highlighting actions like demolishing homes and increasing police and prison service salaries by over 40%. He claimed credit for opening a Haredi unit in the Border Police and stated that the head of the Shin Bet reported terrorists fear entering prisons. Ben-Gvir asserted that crime, including murders and car thefts (down 20%), has decreased due to his policies and criticized the Israeli media as "leftist" for giving him different treatment. He outlined future plans to focus resources on the Galilee and Negev and invest more in healthcare, particularly in Eilat. Ben-Gvir also proposed resettling Gaza, encouraging emigration, and building youth neighborhoods there.

Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Israel party, also addressed the conference, calling for decisive action and expressing belief in achieving victory. He committed to leading the issue of emigration from Gaza, stating that approximately 80% of Gazans want to leave and that the population should be separated from Hamas. Winter suggested direct interaction between the IDF and Gazans to facilitate emigration. He criticized the current economic situation as a "huge hole" and called for quick decisions. Addressing Prime Minister Netanyahu, Winter stated he believed Netanyahu's desire for a broad government but accused him of clinging to Goldknopf. Winter declared he would not recommend Goldknopf for the government and opposed forming a government with Yair Golan, deeming it dangerous. He reiterated his commitment to servicemembers and stated he would not participate in a government unless it was a broad right-wing government where Haredim did not have undue influence.