Bennett Refuses to Rule Out Coalition with Netanyahu Ahead of Elections
Naftali Bennett refused to sign a pledge ruling out a future coalition with Benjamin Netanyahu, while Likud sources assess potential post-election political scenarios.
Bennett Refuses to Rule Out Coalition with Netanyahu
Head of the "BeYachad" list Naftali Bennett refused in an interview with 103FM to sign a formal pledge stating he would not join a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu or rely on non-Zionist Arab parties. "I am not signing this," Bennett stated, adding that his position regarding Netanyahu remains firm. "I have said a thousand times—Netanyahu is going home, and we are not with him in a government. This is populist."
Bennett also addressed past commitments made ahead of the elections that led to the formation of the previous government. "Before the last elections, I made 20 commitments and kept them, except for Mansour Abbas," he said.
Likud Eyes Bennett for Potential Coalition Scenarios
Meanwhile, "Likud" sources indicate that while publicly projecting a bloc of 61 mandates, internal assessments point to a more realistic target of 55-56 seats. Such a number could form a blocking minority to prevent the opposition from establishing a coalition. According to Likud officials, Bennett is viewed as the only potential partner from the change bloc who might consider joining forces under certain conditions, bypassing Yair Lapid.
Likud officials pointed to historical precedents, noting that Bennett previously entered a coalition with Lapid despite prior declarations. However, sources emphasized that no active contacts have taken place between Netanyahu's associates and Bennett.
