Bennett Demands Action on Gaza and Criticizes Netanyahu Ties to Qatar
Naftali Bennett stated at the Sderot conference that Israel must hold the Yellow Line in Gaza until Hamas is defeated, while criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu over Qatar ties.
Former Prime Minister and "BeYachad" leader Naftali Bennett stated on Sunday at the Otef Conference in Sderot that Israel must maintain its presence along the Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is fully defeated and removed from power. At the same time, he criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his security policy and alleged ties between his aides and Qatar.
Future Coalition and Political Alliances
Addressing the composition of the next government and potential cooperation with Arab parties, Bennett responded to audience shouts regarding Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas. He noted that Abbas was a good partner in the previous government where he served, clarifying that he does not rule him out simply because he is Arab, but intends to form a government based on Zionist parties. Alongside Abbas, Bennett also mentioned United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf, whom he labeled as anti-IDF.
Bennett expressed confidence that his bloc could secure a 61-mandate majority and praised Yashar! party leader Gadi Eisenkot, adding that the question of who will lead the government will be decided by voters after the elections. Regarding the reports about Netanyahu's circle and Qatar, Bennett demanded public explanations, questioning why Netanyahu has not declared Qatar an enemy state.
Security Strategy and Sinwar Operation
Bennett also revealed that during his tenure as prime minister, he promoted a targeted elimination plan for Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, codenamed "Decapitation". He explained that while he did not foresee the October 7 massacre, he feared a multi-front war and sought to take Hamas out of the equation, though the plan was aborted when his government collapsed.
"We knew as a fact that close advisers received tens of thousands of dollars from Qatar and worked for them," Bennett stated.
To decisively defeat Hamas, Bennett outlined a series of steps, including designating Qatar as an enemy nation, applying severe political and economic pressure, and enlisting Egypt's cooperation. If these measures fail to dismantle the terrorist organization, military action will remain necessary.
