Former prime minister Naftali Bennett launched a broad series of interviews across Israel’s leading media outlets on Wednesday, presenting a tough platform against the current government, declaring his intention to lead the center-right bloc in upcoming elections, and outlining plans for major changes in the security and law enforcement systems.

Bennett, who has returned to politics with renewed energy, used the interviews to position himself as an experienced governing alternative. He addressed a wide range of issues, including internal security, senior appointments, counterterrorism, and possible legal arrangements for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Showing strong confidence, Bennett compared himself to past leaders such as Ben-Gurion and Rabin, who served additional terms, and promised “a pace of action not seen here in 50 years” if elected.

In an interview with Yonit Levi on Channel 12 News, Bennett said he would reassess the roles of senior officials in the security establishment and police if he identified political bias. “Wherever I see cases of political misuse of a position instead of professional, state-focused work, I will certainly cut it off,” Bennett said, adding a firm warning about policing: “There are also elements in the police that are becoming political. Anyone who behaves politically – I will throw them out.”

At the same time, Bennett declined to give a clear answer about leadership of the bloc, refusing to say whether he would step aside for Gadi Eisenkot if Eisenkot were to surpass him in polling.

On security issues, Bennett took a hard line. In an interview with Channel 13 News, he addressed the issue of Jewish extremism in Judea and Samaria, comparing it to other threats facing the country. “There are rioters there – and I will dismantle them just as I will dismantle terrorism in the Negev,” he said, adding in reference to recent incidents: “Just as I will not allow terrorists in Bnei Brak to break into the home of an officer.”

His remarks come amid rising tensions and appear aimed at appealing to voters seeking firm enforcement against all forms of lawlessness. In another interview, with Tali Moreno on Kan News, Bennett described the current government as a “left-wing government,” while pledging that any government he forms would be a “true right-wing government.”

Speaking to Avi Salomon on the Walla website, Bennett described the reaction he has received since returning to politics. “There is no place I go where people don’t tell me, ‘You gave us hope,’” he said. He also described a process of growth since his previous term in 2021, saying he now comes with greater maturity and understanding of governing.

Bennett also sharply criticized senior ministers in the current government. “The current coalition is terrible in every parameter. A national security minister who is a clown and a finance minister who is bad and is transferring billions to draft-dodgers,” he said. He added that the coalition’s only advantage is its total alignment behind one leader, while in his own bloc, “overthinking and maneuvering are very harmful.”

Perhaps the most notable remarks came when Bennett addressed Netanyahu’s future directly. In his interview with Walla, he proposed a framework to resolve the ongoing political and legal situation: “In October we are going to establish a broad Zionist government, and I will invite Likud to join. Netanyahu needs to go home.”

Bennett added that he supports an arrangement of clemency and retirement for Netanyahu, citing respect for his past and his age. “He is not a young man, approaching 80, not in the best of health. I don’t want to see him going to prison in an orange uniform. There is a large public that admires him, and we don’t need that. He should step aside, I will take the country and open a new golden era.”

{Matzav.com}