Former PM Bennett Outlines Vision for Next Israeli Government and Hamas Disarmament

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett appeared on the program "Meet the Press" on August 1, 2026, to discuss his political vision and conditions for forming the next government. Bennett emphasized that disarming Hamas is a prerequisite for any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, warning that Hamas has grown stronger since the October 7 attacks, with increased recruitment and smuggling of weapons. He stated, "Until Hamas is completely disarmed, I will not concede an inch."

Bennett presented his approach to coalition-building, advocating for a government composed of Zionist parties across the political spectrum, including right-wing, left-wing, religious, and secular factions. He praised his alliance with Yair Lapid as a leadership move demonstrating cooperation despite differing views. Bennett also criticized his former partner Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of promoting draft evasion and harming religious Zionism. He proposed a policy that those who do not serve in the military or work should not receive state funding, particularly targeting ultra-Orthodox institutions that oppose military service and teach anti-Zionist ideologies.

Regarding potential leadership, Bennett avoided explicitly naming Gadi Eizenkot as prime ministerial candidate but said they would cooperate post-election. He stressed his main focus is securing enough mandates to form a government. Bennett expressed support for Avigdor Lieberman and highlighted their joint efforts to allocate funds for defense manufacturing against Iran. He ruled out coalitions relying on non-Zionist parties but left open cooperation with Zionist Arab politicians who share his vision.

Bennett sharply criticized Qatar, labeling it a "terrible cancer" and accusing it of funding terrorism and influencing Israeli and U.S. institutions covertly. He pledged to designate Qatar as an enemy state in the next government, calling on other parties to adopt this stance.

On judicial matters, Bennett shifted from past criticism of the Supreme Court, advocating instead for a formal constitution to regulate the balance of power between government branches and prevent ongoing conflicts. He suggested sensitive ministerial portfolios like defense and justice should be held by centrist figures rather than political extremes.

Bennett also highlighted rising crime rates under the current government, citing widespread extortion payments and increased violent crime, and blamed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for worsening the situation. He proposed breaking monopolies as a key measure to reduce living costs, referencing his past success against the Nesher cement monopoly.