Bennett Refuses to Rule Out Sitting with Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Yamina party chairman Naftali Bennett refused to sign a pledge stating he would not sit with Benjamin Netanyahu or rely on non-Zionist Arab parties, calling such a commitment "populist." Bennett reiterated his position that Netanyahu should leave office. Likud strategists believe a future election could pressure Bennett into a coalition with Netanyahu, though no talks have occurred. They also suggest a new election could damage Gadi Eisenkot's leadership prospects.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naftali Bennett refused to sign a pledge against sitting with Benjamin Netanyahu or non-Zionist Arab parties.
- Bennett stated his position clearly: "Netanyahu is going home and we are not with him in government."
- Likud believes Bennett might be pressured into a coalition with Netanyahu if new elections occur.
- No direct negotiations have taken place between Netanyahu's team and Bennett's representatives.
- A repeat election could negatively impact Gadi Eisenkot's leadership aspirations within the "change bloc."
Yamina party chairman Naftali Bennett refused to commit in writing to not sitting in a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu or relying on non-Zionist Arab parties. In an interview with 103FM, Bennett stated, "I am not signing this." He reiterated his clear stance on Netanyahu, saying, "I have said a thousand times, Netanyahu is going home and we are not with him in government. This is populist."
Bennett also addressed past election commitments, noting that he fulfilled 20 pledges before the previous elections, with the exception of Mansour Abbas. The Likud party, meanwhile, has identified Bennett as a potential partner from the "change bloc" if a majority of 61 Knesset members cannot be secured. They believe that a potential repeat election could force Bennett into a political dilemma, potentially leading him to seek a deal with Netanyahu rather than face the polls again.
Likud sources speculate that Bennett might prefer joining a Netanyahu-led government without Yair Lapid, though they emphasize that no direct contacts have occurred between Netanyahu's team and Bennett's representatives. Additionally, Likud insiders suggest that another election could harm Gadi Eisenkot's standing as the leading candidate for prime minister from the "change bloc," potentially "burning him out as the bloc's leader" if he fails to form a government.