Right-Wing Activist Yair Ansbacher Announces Support for Naftali Bennett as Prime Minister
Yair Ansbacher, a right-wing activist, sparked controversy on Tuesday by declaring his support for Naftali Bennett as Israel's next prime minister. Ansbacher clarified that he is not a Bennett loyalist, receives no benefits from him, and Bennett is unaware of this endorsement. He emphasized the critical political moment Israel faces and the need for pragmatic choices, despite none of the three main candidates being his ideal pick.
Ansbacher criticized Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of national security, accusing him of neglecting the military for nearly 20 years, misleading the public during the recent conflict, and deepening societal divisions. He also dismissed Benny Gantz as a leftist who weakened the IDF and failed to unite the country. Ansbacher portrayed Gantz as part of an establishment that favors withdrawals and ineffective agreements.
Regarding Bennett, Ansbacher distinguished between the negative image promoted by Likud's propaganda and the "real" Bennett. He acknowledged Bennett's flaws, including impulsiveness and past mistakes, but described him as a genuinely good, religious right-winger who loves Israel. Ansbacher highlighted Bennett's record of opposing settlement freezes, promoting national right-wing values, and taking a tougher security stance than Netanyahu, including targeted operations against Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers.
However, Ansbacher also criticized Bennett's controversial decision to form a coalition with Arab parties after the Lod riots, calling it a serious religious and political error. He stressed Bennett must explain and repent for this move to regain trust. Despite doubts about Bennett's reliability and honesty, Ansbacher concluded that embracing Bennett could create a foundation for national unity and societal recovery, even if immediate demands are not met.
Ansbacher's endorsement reflects a significant shift within parts of the right-wing camp amid Israel's ongoing political uncertainty and security challenges.
