Naftali Bennett Blasts Netanyahu Over Hamas Resurgence Ahead of Nir Oz Attack

Naftali Bennett visited the Gaza border area on August 4, 2026, sharply criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel's security failures ahead of the recent attack on Nir Oz. Bennett accused Netanyahu's government of abandoning security in Gaza, allowing Hamas to rebuild its military capabilities with Qatari support. He stated that Hamas now has more armed militants, including those from the Nukhba unit, and has rearmed with long-range missiles, drones, and tunnels, preparing for future attacks.

Bennett condemned the current ceasefire agreement, calling it a dangerous reward to Hamas and Qatar, which he said controls Gaza's fate from Doha rather than Jerusalem. He claimed that Hamas was only required to "store" its weapons instead of disarming, effectively handing over control to Qatar. Bennett accused Netanyahu of surrendering to Hamas and Qatar, saying the prime minister "raised his hands" and allowed Qatar to manage Gaza's security.

Promising a different approach, Bennett vowed to expel Qatar's influence from Gaza and officially designate Qatar as an enemy state. He pledged to maintain the current security line until Hamas is fully disarmed, establish a state inquiry commission to prevent another October 7 massacre, and restore security to the northern border communities and the entire country. Bennett emphasized that the next government would ensure Israel's security and repair the damage caused by the current administration.

This visit and speech come amid ongoing tensions following the October 7, 2025, Hamas attack, which left many Israeli communities near Gaza vulnerable. Bennett's remarks highlight deep political divisions over Israel's security strategy and the handling of Gaza's governance and militant threats.