Naftali Bennett Reinforces Control Over New Political Party Amidst Past Challenges
Bennett aims to solidify his position as a leading contender against current Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has restructured his political party, titled "Bennett 2026," to secure complete control and prevent potential factional splits.
This organizational move comes as Bennett emerges as a formidable challenger to current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in future elections.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that Bennett's restructuring aligns with a strategy to avoid the internal rifts that contributed to the downfall of his previous government.
The newly adopted party regulations stipulate that Bennett will remain the party leader until 2034, controlling the party's parliamentary bloc in the Knesset and possessing exclusive rights to select electoral candidates, appoint prospective ministers, and designate representatives for Knesset committees.
Bennett's preparations suggest a strong intent to compete in upcoming elections after his withdrawal from political life following the collapse of his coalition government in 2022. This coalition previously ended Netanyahu’s 12-year tenure as prime minister in 2021.
Bennett’s government unraveled as several Knesset members defected from his party, starting with coalition leader Idit Silman in April 2022, followed by MKs Amichai Chikli and Nir Orbach, who subsequently joined Netanyahu's Likud party and now hold ministerial positions.
In the aftermath, Bennett parted ways with his main party, Yamina, which subsequently lost its political standing.
However, since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Bennett’s political status has seen a resurgence, with recent polls indicating increased public support and framing him as a significant contender in future elections.
Last month, Bennett announced his new party, initially branded as "Bennett 2026,” following engagements with various opposition figures over the past two years.
Registration documents submitted by Bennett and published by the Israeli Companies Authority outline the party's focus on enhancing Israeli security and promoting the integration of Haredim within the military and workforce.
The registration documents emphasize that "Bennett 2026" aims to "restore security to Israel, and regain public trust in the nation's ability to defend its borders and internal territory while implementing an active security concept." The party seeks to "lead Israel in a manner reflective of the founders' spirit, ensuring unity, continuity, and the prosperity of a model Jewish and democratic state" while developing it as a strong and sovereign nation, engaging all citizens in defense, civil, and economic responsibilities.
Current party members include Bennett’s wife, Gilat; former Director-General of the Ministry of Communications Liran Avisar Ben-Horin; and former CEO of Strauss, Gadi Lisin.
Additional founders comprise Giora Levy, a former military unit commander; Ofer Ogash, a former candidate from Bennett's prior party; and Nir Novak, former CEO of Target Market.
Notably absent from the founding list is Ayelet Shaked, Bennett’s former political partner, despite widespread expectations of her joining the new party.
Polling data indicates Bennett holds a lead over Netanyahu should he choose to run.
An April survey suggested a party led by Bennett could secure 29 seats, compared to 19 for Netanyahu's Likud party.
Bennett, aged 53, underwent heart catheterization last month, spending several days in the hospital.
He has publicly criticized Netanyahu, particularly regarding his government’s recruitment of Haredim during the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Bennett has consistently challenged Netanyahu, stating that Israel has become submissive under his leadership, losing its qualitative military edge.
He has remarked on the tectonic shifts occurring in the Middle East, asserting that Netanyahu and his allies are paralyzed in the face of growing adversary strength.
This organizational move comes as Bennett emerges as a formidable challenger to current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in future elections.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that Bennett's restructuring aligns with a strategy to avoid the internal rifts that contributed to the downfall of his previous government.
The newly adopted party regulations stipulate that Bennett will remain the party leader until 2034, controlling the party's parliamentary bloc in the Knesset and possessing exclusive rights to select electoral candidates, appoint prospective ministers, and designate representatives for Knesset committees.
Bennett's preparations suggest a strong intent to compete in upcoming elections after his withdrawal from political life following the collapse of his coalition government in 2022. This coalition previously ended Netanyahu’s 12-year tenure as prime minister in 2021.
Bennett’s government unraveled as several Knesset members defected from his party, starting with coalition leader Idit Silman in April 2022, followed by MKs Amichai Chikli and Nir Orbach, who subsequently joined Netanyahu's Likud party and now hold ministerial positions.
In the aftermath, Bennett parted ways with his main party, Yamina, which subsequently lost its political standing.
However, since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Bennett’s political status has seen a resurgence, with recent polls indicating increased public support and framing him as a significant contender in future elections.
Last month, Bennett announced his new party, initially branded as "Bennett 2026,” following engagements with various opposition figures over the past two years.
Registration documents submitted by Bennett and published by the Israeli Companies Authority outline the party's focus on enhancing Israeli security and promoting the integration of Haredim within the military and workforce.
The registration documents emphasize that "Bennett 2026" aims to "restore security to Israel, and regain public trust in the nation's ability to defend its borders and internal territory while implementing an active security concept." The party seeks to "lead Israel in a manner reflective of the founders' spirit, ensuring unity, continuity, and the prosperity of a model Jewish and democratic state" while developing it as a strong and sovereign nation, engaging all citizens in defense, civil, and economic responsibilities.
Current party members include Bennett’s wife, Gilat; former Director-General of the Ministry of Communications Liran Avisar Ben-Horin; and former CEO of Strauss, Gadi Lisin.
Additional founders comprise Giora Levy, a former military unit commander; Ofer Ogash, a former candidate from Bennett's prior party; and Nir Novak, former CEO of Target Market.
Notably absent from the founding list is Ayelet Shaked, Bennett’s former political partner, despite widespread expectations of her joining the new party.
Polling data indicates Bennett holds a lead over Netanyahu should he choose to run.
An April survey suggested a party led by Bennett could secure 29 seats, compared to 19 for Netanyahu's Likud party.
Bennett, aged 53, underwent heart catheterization last month, spending several days in the hospital.
He has publicly criticized Netanyahu, particularly regarding his government’s recruitment of Haredim during the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Bennett has consistently challenged Netanyahu, stating that Israel has become submissive under his leadership, losing its qualitative military edge.
He has remarked on the tectonic shifts occurring in the Middle East, asserting that Netanyahu and his allies are paralyzed in the face of growing adversary strength.
