Bennett's Netanyahu Comments Spark Opposition Outrage
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Naftali Bennett suggested Benjamin Netanyahu could be a minister in his future government if key conditions are met, including an inquiry into the October 7th events. This statement drew sharp criticism and outright rejection from other opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan, who hold Netanyahu responsible for the failures leading to the October 7th attacks. A legal impediment also exists, as Netanyahu cannot serve as minister while his indictment is ongoing.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naftali Bennett suggested Benjamin Netanyahu could serve as a minister in his government.
- Bennett set conditions including an inquiry, universal conscription, and a constitution.
- Opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan rejected the idea.
- Critics hold Netanyahu responsible for failures related to the October 7th attacks.
- Netanyahu faces a legal obstacle to serving as minister due to his indictment.
Naftali Bennett, head of the Beyahad party, has ignited controversy within the opposition bloc by suggesting that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could serve as a minister in a government led by Bennett. Speaking at an electoral congress organized by the newspaper Hador on Sunday, Bennett stated, "As long as we agree on fundamental principles, I have no problem with Netanyahu being a minister in our government." He acknowledged Netanyahu's past performance as Finance Minister in 2003 but expressed doubt about his current capacity for such a role due to his age. Bennett outlined three conditions for Netanyahu's potential inclusion: the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry, universal conscription, and the adoption of a constitution for Israel. He indicated that Netanyahu should contact him if he agrees to these principles.
Leaders from other opposition parties swiftly rejected Bennett's proposal. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, declared, "I do not accept this. Anyone who was in charge on October 7 is not worthy of holding positions of responsibility, including that of Finance Minister." Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, demanded that Bennett retract his remarks and that the bloc unequivocally state it will not sit with Netanyahu. Lieberman asserted that Netanyahu could not serve as a minister of Regional Cooperation either.
Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, also ruled out any possibility of Netanyahu joining a government dependent on his party's support, stating, "Netanyahu will not sit in any government that depends on the Democrats. Not as Finance Minister, not as Water Minister, and not as a minister without portfolio." Golan holds Netanyahu responsible for the "fiasco of October 7" and accused him of political maneuvering, concluding, "We will not sit with Netanyahu and his partners. Period."
Beyond the political backlash, the article notes a significant legal hurdle: Netanyahu is currently barred from holding a ministerial position while his indictment is pending, according to regulations governing the appointment of ministers facing charges.
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