Strategist Predicts Former PM Naftali Bennett May Quit Politics Amid Poll Decline

Strategic advisor and campaign manager Nevo Cohen forecasted in a recent interview that former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett might announce his retirement from political life due to a sharp decline in public support. Speaking on the "Petachy and Zamri B'am" show on Galei Israel radio, Cohen described a bleak outlook for both Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid, suggesting their political influence is rapidly diminishing.

Cohen highlighted ongoing political turbulence and shifting mandates within the center-left bloc, noting repeated attempts to form technical alliances as an alternative governing option. However, he argued that internal and public polls indicate a continuing downward trend for Bennett and Lapid, with both leaders already polling in single digits individually. Cohen said, "The likely scenario is we will see Bennett and Lapid continue to crash, and then discussions will start about when they fall into single digits."

Recent polls show Bennett and Lapid's joint party "Together" dropping to 17 seats or fewer, while Gadi Eizenkot's "Yashar" party rises to 20 seats or more, sometimes leading by three or more seats. In one poll, the "Democrats" party led by Yair Golan was just one seat behind "Together." Cohen dismissed the possibility of Bennett taking a secondary position under Eizenkot, stating, "My basic assumption is that Naftali Bennett will quit completely. There is no reason for Eizenkot to take him as number two."

This forecast reflects broader uncertainty within the center-left bloc, where efforts to build political coalitions face significant challenges. Meanwhile, former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked is reportedly negotiating a joint run with Avigdor Lieberman, following Bennett's alliance with Lapid. Despite these difficulties, Bennett continues to strengthen his party, recently welcoming Michal Nagari, former CEO of Ra'anana municipality and mother of fallen soldier Roee Nagari, to "Together." Nonetheless, Cohen's prediction raises serious questions about Bennett's political future amid ongoing poll declines and coalition struggles.