Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called for Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, saying the long-serving leader bears responsibility for deepening divisions within Israeli society and mishandling key national issues.
In a televised interview with Channel 12 broadcast on Saturday, Bennett stated unequivocally that Netanyahu “must go,” insisting that his extended time in power — spanning two decades — has been unhealthy for the country.
“He’s been in power for 20 years… that’s too much,” Bennett said. “He carries heavy responsibility for the rifts in Israeli society.”
Netanyahu has faced mounting criticism from political opponents and sections of the public, particularly regarding his leadership during the war in Gaza following Hamas’s deadly assault in October 2023.
Bennett, a right-wing politician, briefly held the office of prime minister in 2021 after joining forces with Netanyahu’s opponents to form a diverse coalition. That government — formed with centrist and left-wing partners, including current opposition leader Yair Lapid — lasted just over a year before collapsing, allowing Netanyahu to return to power in alliance with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties.
Although Bennett has stepped away from active politics, speculation continues about a possible return, with some opinion polls indicating he could once again challenge Netanyahu successfully. No national election is officially scheduled until late 2026, though early elections remain a frequent feature of Israeli politics.
During the interview, Bennett claimed that the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities would not have been possible without the groundwork laid during his own brief term in office. He described the attacks as both “very good” and “necessary,” taking credit for their strategic foundation.
On the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Bennett commended the Israeli military’s operational efforts but sharply criticised the current government’s political conduct, calling it a “disaster”.
“The political management of the country is a catastrophe,” he said, attacking the Netanyahu-led coalition’s indecisiveness.
He called for an immediate and comprehensive deal to secure the release of all hostages still held in Gaza and suggested that the task of eliminating Hamas should be left to a future administration.
Despite repeatedly being asked about his political ambitions, Bennett avoided confirming whether he plans to run in the next election.
