Naftali Bennett Prioritizes Government Change Over Leadership Role

Naftali Bennett, former Prime Minister and chairman of the "Together" party, stated on Wednesday that his main focus is not on his political position or role, but on replacing the current government and leading change in Israel. In an interview on the Kan Reshet Bet radio program "This Morning," Bennett emphasized his commitment to securing victory and implementing significant reforms, including enacting a constitution for Israel.

Bennett sharply criticized the outgoing coalition's legislative actions ahead of the Knesset's dissolution, condemning laws he described as disgraceful and harmful to soldiers, including his own son, who is serving in Lebanon. He vowed that the next government would correct these "days of disgrace and evasion."

Addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's absence from the vote on the Basic Law on Torah Study, Bennett accused Netanyahu of sending his party members to support what he called "shameful laws" while avoiding public association with the vote. Bennett pledged to pass a law requiring military service, targeting the ultra-Orthodox community.

Bennett criticized ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism as anti-Zionist, accusing them of teaching children to refuse military service and calling it a disgrace that the state continues to fund them. He outlined plans for the next government to integrate the ultra-Orthodox into military service and Israeli society by mandating secular studies and creating state-supported ultra-Orthodox schools and service tracks.

Regarding the future coalition, Bennett said it would consist solely of Zionist parties and expressed willingness to collaborate with leaders such as Gadi Eizenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Lapid to repair the damage caused by the current government. He reiterated that his personal position is secondary to achieving victory and change.