Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sparked a political storm Monday after outlining a series of positions on religion and state that drew strong reactions across Israel’s political spectrum, with left-wing figures welcoming his remarks and chareidi parties responding with sharp criticism.

In what some observers described as an effort to regain political support amid declining poll numbers, Bennett—who currently leads the “Bennett 2026” party and is positioning himself for a potential return to leadership—made comments addressing public transportation on Shabbos and the issue of marriage in Israel.

Speaking in an interview with Army Radio, Bennett said, “It is necessary to allow cities to choose whether they want to operate public transportation on Shabbos.” He also expressed support for broader access to marriage, stating that he supports marriage “for anyone who wants.” He added, “My compass on this issue is common sense and fairness.”

Expanding on his position regarding transportation, Bennett said, “I am in favor of every Israeli being able to get where they need to go. I think we should allow each city to decide its character. For example, in a chareidi city like Bnei Brak there will not be public transportation, and in a city like Tel Aviv it will be decided that there will be public transportation—that is respect.”

His remarks were quickly embraced by Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, who wrote in response: “Bennett, welcome. Civil marriage in a liberal democratic state is something that is required. This is our Judaism, and we will demand it in the guiding principles of the next government. You have come a long way from the Jewish Home to here. It is nice to see that even in politics there are positive surprises and that even on the right they understand that only a strong liberal Israel will prevail.”

Golan added, “I hope Bennett’s journey continues one more step toward the necessary understanding that diplomatic moves, separation from annexation fantasies, and courageous decisions are the right and only path to real security.”

Chareidi parties responded forcefully, accusing Bennett of abandoning core Jewish values for political gain. The Shas party stated: “Someone who, for the sake of politics, is willing to sell the Jewish identity of the state—the holy Shabbos and marriage according to the law of Moshe and Israel—it will not be long before he also sells the Land of Israel and the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria.”

Yitzchak Goldknopf, chairman of United Torah Judaism, also dismissed Bennett’s statements, saying: “I would not be impressed by Bennett’s promises of civil marriage and Shabbos desecration. He also promised not to sit with Mansour Abbas and signed on air that he would not allow Lapid to become prime minister. Even on the left they know that this is someone who misleads the public and votes.”

{Matzav.com}