It is becoming increasingly clear that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other coalition partners are finding it difficult to work with Naftali Bennett. Lacking any political initiative or vision, Bennett seeks to define his policy by announcing ultimatums, hoping to compel PM Netanyahu’s hand and seeking to appear to be the only legitimate right-wing party in Knesset. While many may agree with his vision, most feel his ultimatums and policy statements are void of today’s current diplomatic realities vis-à-vis the State of Israel and the international community. Some senior political analysts point out that Bennett’s voter base is basically young dati leumi voters, primarily first and second time voters while the older dati leumi community, including residents of Yehuda and Shomron, find his statements unrealistic and nothing more than political rhetoric that cannot be actualized amid the view maintained by the international community, including Israel’s staunchest allies such as the United States and Germany.
Bennett has announced his latest ultimatum, this time warning resumed talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) towards the establishment of the State of Palestine would compel Bayit Yehudi to leave the coalition if talks lead to land concessions. Bennett is of the belief that if his party is ousted from the coalition it will only serve to increase his popularity among right-wing voters in the next elections. He has recently stated that if sent to the opposition, Bayit Yehudi will become the “viable alternative” to the Likud party in the next election and this will be clear to all.
Bennett remains tenaciously opposed to the so-called two-state solution, the creation of the State of Palestine, and as such, is threatening to leave the coalition amid statements from PM Netanyahu that he is willing to return to the negotiating table with the PA.
The Machane Tzioni party, with its 24 seats, is continuing negotiations towards entering the coalition and while previously it appears Yitzchak Herzog had little support for such a move among party officials, that support base increases significantly if Bayit Yehudi is ousted.
Adding to Bennett’s political incompetence is PM Netanyahu’s disdain for him and his political maneuvers, including his weekly ultimatum.
The chareidim are also not counted among Bennett fans, as Yahadut Hatorah MK Moshe Gafne has recently announced he prefers a coalition with Herzog over Bennett and his right-wing party.
For the time being it appears PM Netanyahu prefers to ignore Bennett’s latest ultimatum, preferring to concentrate on bringing Machane Tzioni into the coalition and parting ways with Naftali Bennett.
YWN-ISRAEL also recently reported there is criticism of Bennett from within, as Minister Uri Ariel has spoken out against Bennett’s abrasive manner and his constant ultimatums. Ariel and many others feel that not every disagreement must lead to a coalition crisis but for Naftali Bennett it appears this must be the case to prove he is the genuine right-wing leader in Knesset.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
This article is false and foolish. I live in Samaria, and most people voted here for Bennett and some for Yachad (Yishai/Marzel), and only a handful for Bibi. Bennett is getting 14 seats in the polls right now, and he will continue to grow. He has a vision, a vision of Eretz Yisrael and we share it.