In a revealing interview held on Thursday night, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett shared his compelling vision for the nation's future, focusing on a united Israel grounded in Zionism. The live discussion, part of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's annual Defender of Israel Tribute, came at a pivotal moment as Bennett leads in polls to potentially become Israel's next leader.
A Hawkish Unifier with a Clear Stance
Bennett, who describes himself as a hawk and positions to the right of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, projects an image of a unifier. His previous coalition government notably included eight parties, among them the United Arab List led by Mansour Abbas, a self-declared pro-Israel Islamist. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically since the October 7 attacks.
When questioned about the inclusion of an Arab party in a future coalition, Bennett responded diplomatically but firmly. He stated that any party joining his government must explicitly declare support for Zionism, the Jewish State, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Given the current climate in Israel, it appears unlikely that the Arab List would meet these criteria, a sentiment reinforced by recent incidents where Arab members of the Knesset attempted to disrupt a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reassessing the Path to Peace
The conversation also tackled the international push for a Palestinian state, a topic Bennett addressed with direct reference to the events of October 7. He argued that the attack, which originated from Gaza, served as a definitive answer to the question of a future Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel.
"I think October 7th gave an answer because October 7th was initiated from a Palestinian state in Gaza," Bennett stated, reminding the audience that Israel completely withdrew from Gaza in 2005, handing control to Mahmoud Abbas. Instead of peace, the territory became "a Hamastan," leading to devastating consequences.
A Three-Layered Alternative for Stability
Asserting that simply ceding territory to Palestinians has proven ineffective, Bennett proposed a structured, alternative approach built on three fundamental layers. The paramount layer is absolute security, ensuring no terror organizations can operate. The second layer focuses on economic development, enabling Palestinians to thrive under their own governance. Finally, he emphasized the necessity for a "bottom-up political leadership" to foster sustainable change from within the Palestinian community.
Throughout the evening, Bennett also showcased his grasp of broader global issues, including geopolitics and the profound implications of artificial intelligence for humanity's future, solidifying his image as a leader with a comprehensive and forward-looking worldview.
