Bennett Says Netanyahu Could Serve as Minister, Sparking Debate
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated he would accept Prime Minister Netanyahu serving as a minister in a future government, though not as prime minister. The remark has sparked controversy, with journalist Michael Shמש noting a perceived shift in the legal precedent regarding indicted individuals serving as ministers. Bennett previously said Netanyahu could be a minister if he accepted core principles like an immediate state inquiry and universal conscription.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naftali Bennett said he would accept Netanyahu as a minister, but not prime minister.
- Bennett's statement has caused controversy among "Change Bloc" leaders.
- Journalist Michael Shמש noted a perceived end to the "boycott on Netanyahu."
- Shמש suggested Bennett's statement leaves room for a deal with Netanyahu.
- Bennett previously linked Netanyahu serving as minister to accepting key principles.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated Sunday that he does not oppose Prime Minister Netanyahu serving as a minister in a future government, only that he should not be prime minister. This statement has caused significant controversy, as it is an unusual declaration from Bennett, a leader of the "Change Bloc." Journalist Michael Shמש commented on the remark, noting that Bennett's statement that Netanyahu could serve as a minister in the next government "passed relatively quietly." Shמש observed that suddenly the "Der'i-Pinchasi precedent," which prohibits an indicted individual from serving as a minister, seems to have been disregarded, and the "boycott on Netanyahu" has vanished. Shמש suggested Bennett made the comments to leave open a possibility for a deal with Netanyahu and to avoid breaking election promises again. He questioned if Netanyahu can be a minister, what prevents him from being prime minister.
Bennett himself had previously declared, "As long as we accept the fundamental principles, I have no problem with Netanyahu being a minister in our government." He added, "By the way, in 2003, Mr. Netanyahu, truly, I say to his credit, was one of the best finance ministers Israel has had. I don't know if a Jew nearing 80 still has the energy for this matter, but if he accepts all our central principles, which are an immediate state commission of inquiry, and conscription for all, for the constitution of Israel, he should pick up the phone."
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