Bennett Rules Out Government With Netanyahu, Cites October 7th Responsibility

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has clarified that he will not serve in a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after earlier remarks had suggested the possibility of Netanyahu serving as a minister in a government led by Bennett. Speaking on 103fm radio, Bennett explained that his previous statements were intended to highlight the absurdity of potential cooperation with Netanyahu. Bennett asserted that Netanyahu bears personal and direct responsibility for the October 7th attacks and accused him of harboring Qatari agents in his office. He also criticized Netanyahu's stance against a state commission of inquiry and his opposition to the conscription of Haredi men, stating Netanyahu cannot remain in his position for another minute.

Bennett stated his current focus is on expanding support for his party, including among Likud voters, aiming to "increase the bloc" and "lead the revolution of those who serve." He reiterated his criticism of Netanyahu's long-standing policy towards Hamas, claiming Netanyahu established and solidified the view that Hamas is an asset, initiated the transfer of dollars to the organization, ignored warnings, and allowed a "huge monster" to build up on Israel's border. Bennett also accused Netanyahu of evading a state commission of inquiry for three years.

During the interview, Bennett also addressed a recent incident near Meron where a 14-year-old boy, Elazar Yair Wilensky, was killed by an explosive device during a hike. Bennett expressed condolences to the family and community, calling for an immediate investigation into how the incident occurred, especially in an area reportedly rife with unexploded ordnance. He questioned the approval process for such hikes and the information available to authorities regarding regional dangers.

Looking ahead to upcoming elections, Bennett predicted his party would surprise voters, particularly in Likud strongholds and among young people. He claimed that young voters who previously supported Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are now shifting to his party, citing the issue of conscription and equal burden-sharing. Bennett firmly stated his opposition to any draft exemptions, calling partial exemptions "complete evasion." He emphasized the need for a "revolution of those who serve" to redirect NIS 30 billion from draft evaders to those who serve, stating, "otherwise, we have no country here."

Bennett also strongly condemned alleged communications from Prime Minister's advisor Yonatan Uriach, questioning how a Jewish advisor could continue to act for Qatar while Israelis were being kidnapped and murdered. He questioned why Netanyahu retained Uriach, calling him a "traitor." Bennett declared that if he leads the government, he would declare Qatar an enemy state and expel them from Gaza, stating Netanyahu "must go home."