Bennett Sparks Outrage With Remarks on Netanyahu Serving in Future Government
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett caused controversy by suggesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could serve as a minister in a future government if core principles were met. Other "change bloc" leaders, including Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan, strongly rejected the idea, citing Netanyahu's responsibility for the October 7th events. Bennett later clarified his remarks, emphasizing Netanyahu's culpability and his own refusal to sit with him. The incident strains a recent non-aggression pact among "change bloc" leaders.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naftali Bennett suggested Benjamin Netanyahu could be a minister in a future government if principles were met.
- Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan rejected any possibility of Netanyahu serving in government.
- Bennett clarified his remarks, stating Netanyahu bears responsibility for October 7th and he would not sit with him.
- The controversy tests a non-aggression pact among "change bloc" leaders.
- Bennett's conditions included an inquiry into October 7th and universal conscription.
Naftali Bennett, leader of the Yamina party, has ignited a significant controversy within Israel's "change bloc" by suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could potentially serve as a minister in a future government. Bennett stated at a "Ha'aretz" conference that if fundamental principles are agreed upon, he would not object to Netanyahu holding a ministerial position. He praised Netanyahu's past performance as Finance Minister in 2003 but questioned his continued vigor nearing age 80. Bennett stipulated that such a role would be contingent on Netanyahu accepting core principles, including a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events, universal conscription, and the establishment of a constitution for Israel.
Bennett's comments drew immediate criticism from other "change bloc" leaders. Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, urged Bennett to retract his remarks, asserting that the "Zionist camp" should not engage with Netanyahu under any circumstances, ruling out even a role like Minister of Regional Cooperation. Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Union, strongly condemned Netanyahu, stating his party would not be part of any government including him. Golan blamed Netanyahu for the October 7th failures, for promoting widespread draft evasion during the war, and for controversial judicial reforms, declaring, "We will not give him any legitimacy to return to power."
Following the backlash, Bennett issued a clarification on social media, calling for calm. He reiterated that Netanyahu bears direct responsibility for the October 7th massacre and must leave office, stating unequivocally, "We will not sit with him in any format." Bennett explained his earlier remarks were intended to highlight Netanyahu's opposition to his proposed principles, such as universal conscription, an inquiry commission, and a constitution.
The dispute comes as the "change bloc" leaders' non-aggression pact faces an early test. The leaders, including Bennett, Lieberman, Golan, and Gadi Eisenkot, met at opposition leader Yair Lapid's home on September 27th and agreed not to attack each other's parties or leaders until a government is formed. However, these recent statements suggest the understanding may be fragile, particularly amid concerns within the bloc about the Likud party attempting to sway rival list members after the elections.
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