Naftali Bennett, Israel’s former prime minister, released a message on Sunday aimed at officials in the civil service, law enforcement, and security agencies, urging them to remain steadfast in upholding legal principles despite mounting political pressure.
“Many have asked me whether the elections will actually happen,” Bennett said at the start of his remarks. “Let me be absolutely clear: no one will be allowed to delay or disrupt the elections. We are monitoring this closely. Any postponement would require the support of 80 Knesset members—those numbers simply don’t exist,” he emphasized.
His comments were directed at top figures across various state institutions. “To the heads of the security services, police, judiciary, and election committee: continue to uphold the law and protect the state. I understand the immense pressure you’re facing, but do not compromise the law or bend the rules under political influence,” he appealed.
Bennett cautioned that anyone who violated ethical and legal boundaries would be held responsible. “You are accountable for your actions. There is a tomorrow. Do not be afraid. This government will soon be replaced.”
He went on to condemn what he described as the collapse of moral standards in the country’s leadership, pointing to allegations of misconduct and abuse of authority. “The toxic norms we’ve seen—such as enemy agents operating within the Prime Minister’s Office, ministers accepting bribes, and political manipulation in military and police appointments—will be eliminated. The state will soon return to healthy, professional governance and renewal.”
The statement quickly drew fire from sitting ministers in the government.
Defense Minister Israel Katz brushed aside Bennett’s comments, saying, “Bennett says he’s aware of pressure to prevent the elections, just like he was ‘aware’ of the Iran operation, which he opposed days before its launch. He’s disconnected from security reality and using these institutions for political games.”
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Bennett’s true motive was political, stating, “The elections will proceed as scheduled. What must be prevented is Bennett stealing right-wing votes again and forming a government with the Muslim Brotherhood.”
Rabbi Avraham Stav also dismissed the remarks. “With all due respect, this sounds like you’re supporting a conspiracy theory. If there’s real evidence of efforts to delay elections, present it. Otherwise, this is an irresponsible portrayal.”
Education Minister Yoav Kisch accused Bennett of dishonesty, remarking, “Bennett, who already stole an election once, assumes others will do the same. No one is disrupting the elections. Try not to lie with every breath.”
Minister Amichai Chikli added his own rebuke, saying, “What could be more disruptive than gaining the premiership through fraud and misleading hundreds of thousands of voters? Our own Madoff is losing touch with reality.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir concluded with a sharp jab: “Naftali, election theft is your specialty, not ours.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Who cares who the next Prime Minister is if they’re all puppets of the judges who were never elected? Mr. Bennett, wouldn’t it make more sense to begin with judicial election?