Israeli Politicians Spar Over Government Formation Amid Election Fears

The upcoming election campaign has ignited fierce political debate, with party leaders using the "People of the State - Choosing to Influence" conference hosted by ynet and Yediot Ahronot as a platform to attack rivals and outline their visions for the next government. Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yamina Party, launched a scathing critique of the current government and the ultra-Orthodox parties, stating, "Israel is in a slow-motion suicide process." He retracted a previous statement, declaring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "cannot be another minute in the Israeli government" due to his responsibility for the October 7th attacks. Bennett also targeted Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, accusing him of lacking divine principles and vowing to redirect public funds from non-serving to serving sectors. He characterized Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, as "Israel's protection minister" and claimed the country has fallen under his influence. Bennett vehemently denied claims that a government he leads would rely on Arab parties, calling them "regret" and asserting his intention to form a "Zionist government." He also condemned Netanyahu's advisors' actions regarding "Qatar-gate" as "the most severe betrayal in the history of the State of Israel."

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana of the Likud party addressed the possibility of his replacement, stating it would be legitimate if 61 Knesset members supported it, and expressed confidence the matter would not reach the High Court. Ohana also indicated a future Likud government would pursue judicial reforms, including changing the method of electing judges and potentially enacting an override clause for the High Court. He confirmed the Likud's openness to forming a government with Naftali Bennett, while dismissing Yair Golan and his associates as "off the table." Ohana also urged Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Israel Party, to withdraw from the race, arguing he is "endangering the national camp" and jeopardizing Netanyahu's chances of forming a government.

Ofer Winter, in turn, accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of harming his party and undermining the right-wing's ability to form a government, stating, "If we don't pass, I will say Netanyahu is responsible for the fall of the right." He criticized Netanyahu for attacking a right-wing party, comparing it to "shooting oneself in the foot."

President Isaac Herzog expressed his determination to prevent another election, stating, "I will do everything so that there will not be repeat elections." He also addressed extremist right-wing violence in the West Bank, suggesting that administrative detention might be necessary in some cases. Herzog criticized the police's handling of the situation, remarking that the state is "a bit too big for the police." He also highlighted Israel's diplomatic isolation, emphasizing the need for practical solutions beyond merely identifying problems.