Bennett Open to Netanyahu Serving in His Government; Eisenkot Criticizes

Former Prime Minister and "Achad" party chairman Naftali Bennett stated on Sunday that he would not object to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serving as a minister in a future government led by him, provided core principles are accepted. Bennett, speaking at a "Ha'aretz" newspaper election conference in Jerusalem, also criticized the government's conduct in the year preceding the October 7th attack, describing it as "terrible" and focused on internal conflict rather than national unity. He warned that the current situation regarding the enlistment of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) into the military is "slow-motion suicide broadcast live," blaming "Zionist parties" for being "slaves" to Der'i and Goldknopf.

Bennett suggested that Netanyahu, whom he praised as a former "good" Finance Minister in 2003, might lack the energy for leadership at his age, but could still serve if he accepted "our core principles," including an immediate state commission of inquiry and universal conscription. He characterized the current coalition's approach as aiming to "poke a finger in the eye" rather than implement reforms, and suggested that the Likud party advances by "infuriating the leftists."

Former IDF Chief of Staff and "Yashar" party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, also present at the conference, rejected Bennett's idea of future cooperation with Netanyahu. Eisenkot declared that anyone in a leadership role on October 7th is unfit for command, including as Finance Minister. However, Eisenkot acknowledged Golan as part of the "servants' alliance," praising his bravery on October 7th and emphasizing the importance of diverse opinions within a potential future government led by the alliance.