Bennett, who heads the Yachad party and previously served as director-general of the Yesha Council, made the remarks during an interview on Kan News’ podcast “Hamanagnon” with Shaul Amsterdamski.

During the interview, Amsterdamski presented Bennett with a map published by right-wing activist Elisha Yered showing more than 200 new hilltop communities and agricultural outposts established throughout Judea and Samaria during the current government’s term.

Asked for his view of the recent wave of construction, Bennett responded that legal building in Area C on state-owned land is positive and should be encouraged. However, he drew a clear distinction regarding unauthorized development.

“Construction that is illegal, or not in Area C, or on private land, is not legitimate,” Bennett said. “Anything that is illegal will not remain and will be evacuated.”

Bennett went on to describe his diplomatic vision, under which Area C would become part of the State of Israel, while Areas A and B would remain under Palestinian self-rule.

The comments prompted a sharp response from Finance Minister and Religious Zionism Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich, who argued that Bennett’s remarks confirmed warnings he has recently issued about the possibility of a future center-left government.

“Over the weekend and in recent days, I said that I know that if they, G-d forbid, come to power, an Eisenkot government will dismantle the new communities and farms we established in Judea and Samaria,” Smotrich said. “Now Bennett, who would serve as a minister in an Eisenkot government, is saying it in his own voice: he will evacuate the farms.”

Smotrich also attacked Bennett’s broader political proposal.

“Not only that, Bennett says a ‘Palestinian autonomy’ will be established, meaning a terrorist state in the heart of the country,” Smotrich said. “An Eisenkot government will establish a Palestinian terrorist state and destroy the new communities and agricultural farms. They must not be allowed to form the next government.”

Yered also joined the criticism, posting on X that Bennett’s remarks exposed what he described as the former prime minister’s true intentions.

“Naftali Bennett tonight confirms in his own voice what we have always warned about: preserving the Oslo division will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria,” Yered wrote.

He highlighted Bennett’s support for removing unauthorized construction while leaving Areas A and B under Palestinian autonomy, and concluded by calling for expanded Jewish settlement activity.

“There is only one thing that can stop this dangerous and reckless idea,” Yered wrote. “Widespread settlement throughout the Oslo areas, preferably with government backing, in the coming months. That is the order of the day.”

{Matzav.com}