Naftali Bennett Defends Right-Wing Record and Criticizes Netanyahu in New Video
Naftali Bennett defends his right-wing credentials in a new campaign video, criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu's past territorial concessions and calling for national unity.
In a newly released campaign video, Naftali Bennett responds to critics who claim that voting for him equates to supporting the left wing. Appearing alongside candidate Rotem Dvash, Bennett emphasizes his security credentials and Zionist foundations while championing national unity.
"First and foremost, I am a Zionist, I love the country, I served in Sayeret Matkal, as a company commander in Maglan," Bennett states in the clip, before addressing societal divides: "Even someone who was at Kaplan and later fought in Gaza—what, are they any less good than me?". Dvash responds affirmatively, reinforcing Bennett's call for bridging societal gaps.
Critique of Benjamin Netanyahu's Right-Wing Credentials
The discussion then pivots to a direct political comparison with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, challenging the incumbent's right-wing record. Bennett lists several historical decisions and diplomatic moves by Netanyahu, questioning whether they reflect genuine right-wing governance.
I did not surrender a single centimeter of land, while Netanyahu transferred plenty of territories. I never transferred them, I always fought against this thing.
The video highlights actions such as the Wye River Memorandum transferring 13% of Judea and Samaria, financial transfers to Hamas, the Hebron Protocol, and the Bar-Ilan speech supporting a two-state solution. Archival footage shows Netanyahu speaking in English in favor of a Palestinian state, alongside his Knesset vote in favor of the Gaza disengagement plan.
National Unity and Opposition to Concessions
Bennett contrasts his own tenure by highlighting his firm stance against territorial concessions and his profound skepticism toward Palestinian leadership. Concluding the video, Bennett points to the Basic Law: Referendum as a crucial legislative block against future land surrenders, while Dvash frames a vote for Bennett as a choice for the "true right."
