Naftali Bennett

Poll: Coalition bloc wins more seats than Bennett bloc

Bennett and Lapid's party is strengthening slightly but is far from being able to form a government and will have to rely on all Arab MKs to do so.

Miki Zohar blames Bennett, Lapid for October 7

Minister Miki Zohar caused a stir when he claimed that Hamas' on October 7 was planned during the previous government led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.

Election Committee dismisses Likud petition against Bennett

Central Elections Committee chairman, Justice Noam Sohlberg, rejects a petition filed by Likud against Naftali Bennett regarding the use of a photo featuring former Deputy Police Commissioner Ami Eshed in uniform.

The fallacy of ‘unity’

Contention isn’t a bug in Israel. It’s the operating system. The same has been true of Jews since time immemorial. Opinion.

Poll: Bennett overtakes Likud as largest party

Survey shows Bennett leading Netanyahu in head-to-head matchups and projected to win most seats, with Likud slipping to second place

Report

Bennett called Lapid 'toxic' days before merger

Former PM Bennett reportedly warned that a joint run with Opposition Leader Lapid would alienate right-wing voters before announcing their joint run.

Arab party MK won't rule out supporting Bennett

MK Ofer Cassif says Arab 'Hadash' party will support former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's candidacy if he presents principles Cassif 'can live with.'

1st election polls:

How successful was the Lapid-Bennett merger?

First polls since Bennett and Lapid joined forces show a tight race with Likud, as potential alliances and mergers could reshape the political map.

“Serious deception"

Threat of lawsuit against Bennett and Lapid

The B'yachad Natzliach party sent a warning letter to the Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid parties, demanding that they stop using the name “B'yachad" [Together] for a joint list.

Former Shas minister: Bennett is 'unstable'

MK Yoav Ben Tzur slams former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, claiming his new political alliance with Yair Lapid will collapse in the polls and questioning his leadership credibility

Sofer on Bennet-Lapid deal: 'They're tricking us'

Minister Ofir Sofer describes the union of Bennett and Lapid as 'an excellent strategic move for the right.'

Leftist alliance:

Bennett and Lapid unite their parties ahead of upcoming elections

According to the announcement, the move is intended to unite the two blocs, end internal disputes, and focus on winning the upcoming elections. Bennett calls on Eisenkot: 'Gadi, our door is open to you as well.'

Poll:

Bennett-Eisenkot alliance could overtake Likud

A new poll shows Likud leading but no clear path to a coalition, with opposition parties lacking a majority without Arab faction support.

Gafni: “I don't rule out sitting with Avigdor Liberman"

MK Moshe Gafni on Shas chairman: “There’s a division of labor between me and Deri - he gets the jobs, and I deal with the principled issues."

Heritage Minister:

Bennett is dangerous to Israel

Minister Amichai Eliyahu criticized former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett as a fraud and radical leftist in a radio interview.

Bennett reveals identity of ISA bodyguard online

Security officials demanded that the former prime minister remove all posts immediately, in accordance with the law that prohibits publishing the identities of service employees.

Complaint against Bennett: Unprecedented collective accusation

"Emet LeYaakov" organization sends sharply worded letter to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, demanding that he retract his statement that "draft evasion is killing our soldiers" and issue a public apology.

Ahead of elections:

Bennett U-turns on key religious issues

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett calls to allow same-sex marriage, public transportation on the Sabbath.

Report

Opposition's bold deal: Make Gantz President, exit politics

Opposition leaders including Lapid, Liberman, Eisenkot and Bennett are reportedly planning to offer Benny Gantz the presidency in exchange for him leaving politics.

Indictment

Man planned to assassinate Naftali Bennett for Iran

The Prosecutor's Office has filed a serious indictment against Ami Gaidarov, who is accused of manufacturing 10 kg of explosives and offering to serve as a suicide bomber.

Bennett’s party threatens lawsuit against Likud

Bennett’s party sent a warning letter ahead of a lawsuit following claims that new recruit Keren Turner had been a member of the organization “Brothers in Arms."

Eisenkot clarifies:

'I didn't leave Gantz to become Bennett's number 2'

The chairman of the Yashar! party states in an interview with Channel 12 News that he is running for prime minister and has no intention of being Naftali Bennett's "number 2."

Shas slams Bennett:

'Even the opposition bloc realized he’s a joke'

Shas party launches a fierce attack on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in response to an interview in which he sharply criticized Shas chairman Aryeh Deri.

Election poll:

Likud on top as Bennett gains ground

Channel 13 poll shows Likud at 25 seats, Bennett at 18, with Netanyahu’s bloc short of a majority and Arab parties potentially holding balance.

Poll:

Bennett slips as anti-Netanyahu bloc weakens

According to the data, Bennett’s party loses five seats and the opposition reaches a low point. Meanwhile, the Joint List gains significant strength.

Bennett backtracks: Ben Gvir has no place in my government

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett retracts 'unity government' statements, clarifying that he will not sit with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Bennett attacked after calling for unity government

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett calls for unity government, drawing attacks from other opposition leaders.

Bennett:

'Tucker Carlson is a phony spouting lies about Israel'

Former PM Naftali Bennett slams Tucker Carlson for claiming he was detained at Ben Gurion Airport, calling the commentator a "phony" who spouted lies and never even stepped foot in the country.

Naftali Bennett:

'Turkey is the new Iran'

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tells Conference of Presidents in Jerusalem that Turkey is “the new Iran" seeking to encircle Israel, calls for new leadership following 'the greatest disaster in Israel’s history.'

This is Naftali Bennett's plan for drafting haredim

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responds to destructive haredi riot, suggesting complete end to funding and solution for haredi enlistment in the IDF.

Deri demands Bennett be barred from Bnei Brak

The Shas chairman attacked former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who came to Bnei Brak to denounce the assault on female soldiers in the city.

Victory for Bennett

Likud ordered to take down edited photo with Lapid

The Election Committee has announced that Likud must immediately remove an edited photo of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid alongside the leaders of the Arab parties.

Poll

Shifts on the Left: Bennett weakens, Eizenkot strengthens

Gadi Eizenkot reaches a peak of 12 mandates at the expense of Naftali Bennett - but even in this scenario, the left-wing bloc still does not have a majority to form a government without the Arab parties.

Smotrich warns the left about Bennett

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich estimated that former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will transfer votes from left-wing voters to the right in the upcoming elections. And what did he say when asked if he would shake Bennett's hand?

Bennett:

'Netanyahu is the Israeli Forrest Gump'

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett launches sharp attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the response document he submitted to the State Comptroller.

'Don't talk about haredim when you didn't serve'

“The Patriots" host Yinon Magal criticized calls for enlistment coming from the Religious Zionist public. “There are hesder students who don’t do full military service-don’t talk about the Haredim.

Netanyahu: 'Bennett always opposed conquering Gaza'

In closed meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar forged documents.

Bennett doesn't regret partnership with Mansour Abbas

Former Prime Minister addressed the partnership with Abbas in a closed conference: "I am sorry that I hurt people, but I stand behind the decision."

Image of former PM’s son allegedly used in Iran protest coverage

Iranian regime channels reported that opposition elements used a photo of David Bennett, the son of the former prime minister, claiming he was killed in the wave of protests in the country.

Yair Golan:

'Bennett’s mission is to bring votes from the right'

Yair Golan opposes Gadi Eisenkot’s unification initiative and argues that Naftali Bennett should be positioned as the one tasked with bringing votes from the right-wing bloc.

Liberman sets conditions for the next government

Yisrael Beytenu chairman appeals to Eisenkot, Bennett, Golan, and Lapid, demanding they commit to a comprehensive and equal Draft Law as part of the next government’s basic guidelines.

Amit Segal: Eisenkot turned the tables

Channel 12 analyst Amit Segal explains why former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid are not rushing to run with Gadi Eisenkot.

'Not looking to humiliate'

Bennett calls on Netanyahu to debate him

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, speaking at an activists’ conference in Karmiel, invites Prime Minister Netanyahu to a debate: “Anytime, anywhere."

Eisenkot’s proposal to Bennett and Lapid: A political shake-up

Gadi Eisenkot has proposed to Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid that they run on a joint list, with the candidate for prime minister to be chosen shortly before the elections based on polling data.

Bennett

'Next government will repeal Draft Law on day 1'

The plan Bennett presented for reserve soldiers includes one million shekels for purchasing a home, priority in state tenders, and a free bachelor’s degree. "The Israeli pyramid is being flipped."

Israeli films outside Bennett's home, broadcasting to operator

Rishon Lezion resident indicted for contact with foreign agent, suspected of filming former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's home.

Poll: Netanyahu gains ground at Bennett's expense

Amid Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the US, his party, Likud, strengthens by two seats, which are lost by Naftali Bennett's party.

Poll:

Likud takes 26 seats, Otzma Yehudit 9

While the Likud continues to stay ahead in the polls, Mr. Netanyahu still can not manage to find a majority.

Bennett:

Netanyahu's aides must receive life sentences for treason

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett urged Benjamin Netanyahu to stop defending aides tied to the Qatargate scandal, accusing them of deliberate treason that harmed Israel’s security and relations with Egypt during wartime.

Espionage war continues

Iran sent Israeli to document former PM Bennett's home

Authorities arrested Israeli man on suspicion of carrying out surveillance missions for Iranian handlers, including filming near former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s home.

Poll: Likud, Bennett strengthen as coalition and opposition tie

A Channel 13 poll shows Likud and Naftali Bennett’s new party gaining strength, while the coalition and opposition blocs are tied at 55 seats each, with Arab parties holding the balance.

Bennett accuses

'The worst betrayal in Israel's history'

The former prime minister called on the Shin Bet and the police to investigate what the prime minister knew about the 'Qatargate'affair and wondered 'Why is Netanyahu silent?'

Bennett

'Netanyahu’s office betrayed Israel, IDF soldiers during wartime'

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a scathing statement on the exposure of the alleged activities of Netanyahu's advisers in the Qatar Gate affair.

Iranian hacker group claims to have hacked Bennett's phone

The Iranian-affiliated cyber group "Handala" claims to have breached the personal phone of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Naftali Bennett

'Australian government bears responsibility for mass shooting'

Former Israeli Prime Minister says the Australian government has ignored warnings of rising antisemitism, leading to the murder of 10 people at a Hanukkah celebration.

Likud returns to pre-war poll position

For the first time since the war began, the Likud has received 28 seats in an election poll, but the current coalition bloc only received 52

At supporters’ conference

Bennett does not rule out coalition with Arab parties

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warns of political "collapse" if voter turnout is low: "We will have to compromise on a thousand things, and that would be very bad."

Bennett: Trump plan is Oslo on steroids

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warns against transferring authority over Gaza to hostile elements, demands public be privy to full text of agreements.

Opposition leaders: We will fight the Draft Law

Opposition leaders meet with Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, declare: “We will not allow a full return of the judicial coup.”

Bennett admits:

'I erred in choosing my slate in the past'

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett concedes he made mistakes in selecting political allies, says he is now taking a more careful approach.