Former PM Bennett Vows to Declare Qatar an Enemy State If Re-Elected

At the National Security Conference hosted by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth in cooperation with the INSS, former Israeli Prime Minister and head of the 'Beyachad' party, Naftali Bennett, called for accelerating the downfall of the Iranian regime and halting Tehran's nuclear program. Bennett revealed that he has seen intelligence indicating Qatar funds Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a fact he said is also known to current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He pledged that if he returns to office, he will immediately declare Qatar an enemy state.

Addressing the political landscape amid declining poll numbers since uniting with opposition leader Yair Lapid, Bennett identified former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman as natural partners for forming the next government. He stated that other relevant Zionist opposition players could join, and even some Likud members might participate if they accept the coalition's foundational principles. However, Bennett categorically ruled out Netanyahu's inclusion in the future government.

Bennett emphasized his primary goal is to replace the current government rather than seeking personal power, saying, "I am committed to changing the government. I am not obsessed with the position but with fixing Israel." He described his team as experienced and capable of leading necessary reforms, leaving the final decision to the voters.

On Iran policy, Bennett said he would continue to implement his "octopus doctrine," which views Tehran as the head controlling proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. He asserted the Iranian regime will not survive another 30 years and criticized Israel's past focus on fighting proxies instead of directly targeting the regime itself.

When asked about his recent shift from suits to casual attire, Bennett said he is enjoying the change and sees no political message in it, noting he will wear suits again when back in politics.