In remarks Tuesday to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett strongly hinted that he would not serve in a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Without naming the current prime minister, Bennett took several shots at Israel’s leader.

Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history, having served in the role for several nonconsecutive terms for a total of more than 17 years. He has come under fire for shifting the blame for the Oct. 7 attack that left about 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage in the worst attack in Israeli history, instead of taking any responsibility for the attack.

“Israel’s current leadership has divided us and continues to divide us even now, more than ever,” he said. “I will not allow that failed and divisive leadership to continue, nor will I be part of it. I intend to lead Israel into its next, stronger chapter.”

In what appeared to be a direct jab at Netanyahu, Bennett said, “After three decades since taking power, and after the greatest disaster in Israel’s history happened on his watch, a leader must know when to step aside with dignity.”

“Israel is bigger than any one man,” he added pointedly.

Bennett served as prime minister before the Oct. 7 attack, from June 2021 to June 2022. Conceivably, he could share blame for the events of Oct. 7. Nevertheless, he has called for an independent investigation, whereas Netanyahu has still failed to establish a commission of inquiry more than two years later.

Bennett also called for new leadership, explaining that anyone in a position of power during the Oct. 7 attack should no longer have the ability to shape policy. Although he remains Netanyahu’s biggest rival, he will not be able to defeat Netanyahu’s coalition without joining the Arab parties, something he has promised not to do — and after his remarks at the conference on Tuesday, it seems unlikely that Bennett, who leads the New Right Party, would join Likud, Netanyahu’s party. Nevertheless, he did not say outright that he wouldn’t join a unity government with Netanyahu, leaving open the possibility of his joining Likud.