Bennett Slams Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Haredi Leadership

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Together party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Haredi leadership during a conference on Monday, just 15 days before the elections. Bennett stated that Netanyahu "cannot be in the Israeli government for another minute" and bears responsibility for the events of October 7th. He also accused Netanyahu's close advisors, including Yonatan Uriach, of treason for allegedly receiving Qatari funding during wartime, demanding Qatar be declared an enemy.

Bennett also attacked Haredi leaders, specifically Aryeh Deri, for advocating for increased funding for the Haredi community while soldiers are serving in reserves. He declared, "Deri has no God" and proposed a "revolution" to redirect funds from those not serving to those who are. He warned that if the "anti-Zionist Haredi state" within Israel is not dismantled in the next four years, "there is no state."

Further criticizing Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bennett called him a "clown" and "Israel's protection racket minister," citing a doubling of murders and protection payments during Ben-Gvir's tenure. Bennett questioned Ben-Gvir's whereabouts on October 7th and accused him of failing to deliver results, instead resorting to theatrics.

Bennett also addressed potential political alliances, dismissing speculation that the "change bloc" would form a government relying on Arab parties, asserting they would form a "Zionist government." He also clarified his earlier controversial statement about Netanyahu potentially serving in a future government, stating unequivocally that "we will not sit with Netanyahu in any constellation."

Bennett leads the Together party, which merged with Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party, and is currently polling as the third-largest party. He also presented his "Servicemembers Revolution" plan, which includes free daycare for reservists and subsidized housing.