Bennett Pledges State Inquiry, Term Limits, and Service Mandate

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, now leading the Together party, outlined a swift agenda should he become prime minister. He pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th massacre within three minutes of taking office. Four minutes later, he would advance a decision to limit a prime minister's term to eight years, and within thirty minutes, implement a "servants program" to cut state funding for those who do not serve the country. Bennett also stated that only those who recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people would be ministers, differentiating between anti-Zionist Haredim and potentially Zionist Arabs.

Bennett's remarks came during a gathering of pre-military academies, alongside other political leaders. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman reiterated his stance against forming coalitions with Haredi or Arab parties, emphasizing a "Zionist-only" government and opposing minority governments. He also suggested that Likud members might join a Zionist coalition without Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, criticized the current government for politicizing the war and hostage negotiations, and for ignoring prior warnings. He questioned why Netanyahu partners with "anti-Zionist" Haredi parties while criticizing potential Arab partnerships.

Member of Knesset Isaac Pindrus of United Torah Judaism expressed regret over the Knesset Speaker's election at the start of the term, calling it a "desecration of God's name" and a mistake that should have been discussed with senior rabbis.

In security matters, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of 'Yashar!', committed to ending Hamas's rule in Gaza within 18 months of entering the Prime Minister's office, either through a deal or military action. He criticized Netanyahu for remaining in power while Hamas continues to rule.

The Police Commissioner, Danny Levi, held a meeting with senior command staff and representatives from the Central Elections Committee, IDF, and Shin Bet to prepare for election day, emphasizing the police's professional and apolitical stance.

The Central Elections Committee and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Social Services announced that accessible polling stations will be set up in approximately 90 welfare facilities across the country for people with disabilities and those in shelters.