Naftali Bennett Criticizes Netanyahu, Outlines Plans on Iran, Haredi Integration, and AI at Herzliya Conference

At the Herzliya Conference hosted by the Institute for Policy and Strategy, Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Together" party, discussed his comprehensive plans ahead of the upcoming elections in an interview with Sivan Cohen on 103FM. On Iran, Bennett revealed that as a cabinet member in 2017, he proposed a strategy called "weakening the octopus," arguing Israel erred by focusing on Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas while leaving the regime in Tehran untouched. He described Iran as a corrupt, isolated, and aging regime likely to collapse due to internal contradictions, though the timeline remains uncertain. Bennett advocated for accelerating the regime's collapse without necessarily resorting to bombings, while simultaneously preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He cited a discontinued initiative to provide Iranians with independent internet infrastructure to support protests, which he believes could have toppled the regime during the January 2026 protests.

Regarding Israel's security, Bennett criticized the current government for failing to meet its goals, highlighting the strengthening of Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran's ballistic missile production renewal. He questioned Prime Minister Netanyahu's response to drone threats identified in 2018 and dismissed the effectiveness of targeted killings as a strategic approach. Bennett also expressed concern over Israel's deteriorating international standing, noting a majority in the U.S. now views Israel negatively.

On domestic policy, Bennett addressed integrating the Haredi population into the workforce and military service. He traced the issue to a 1977 policy removing limits on Haredi exemptions from service, resulting in about 100,000 young men neither serving nor working. His plan emphasizes education reform to include math and English in Haredi schools and enforces a "no work, no benefits" policy, cutting welfare except healthcare for those who refuse to work or serve. Bennett stressed this approach is not coercive but insists on personal responsibility. He projected the plan could add approximately 100 billion shekels annually to the economy.

Bennett was clear about his stance on Netanyahu, stating the former prime minister is no longer capable and depends on Haredi support for personal protection. He said Netanyahu should "go home," not out of hatred but to repair Israel. On the topic of a possible pardon for Netanyahu, Bennett said he does not seek revenge and respects Netanyahu's national symbol status for many Israelis.

On technology, Bennett described artificial intelligence as a transformative force akin to electricity, emphasizing Israel missed the opportunity to develop frontier AI models due to high costs. He highlighted Israel's strength in chip technology, citing Mellanox's contribution to Nvidia. Bennett criticized government ministries for fearing AI, citing the Health Ministry's ban on AI use and the Education Ministry's restrictions for children. He advocated for integrating AI into education, envisioning personalized AI tutors complementing human teachers. Bennett concluded that Israel's true advantage lies in entrepreneurship and resilience rather than technology alone.