Former PM Bennett criticizes Netanyahu's Gaza policy, proposes diplomatic approach

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict, arguing for a more active and diplomatic approach. Bennett contends that while Netanyahu has achieved tactical military wins, he has failed to secure long-term diplomatic gains, leading to a loss of global legitimacy for Israel.

“

a gorilla must construct the jungle

Bennett, who is competing with Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot for leadership, believes a prime minister must "construct the jungle" by embodying humility and actively engaging on both military and diplomatic fronts. While he agrees with Netanyahu on maintaining a security zone in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, Bennett views Israel's diplomatic efforts since October 7 as "mind-bogglingly passive." He asserts that the U.S., Qatar, Turkey, and even hostile adversaries are outmaneuvering Israel diplomatically.

According to Bennett, Netanyahu lacks a coherent Gaza diplomatic policy, relying solely on bombing or invasion. Bennett, however, advocates for a strategy that combines military and diplomatic tools to dismantle Hamas. He dismisses the Trump administration's Gaza vision as unworkable, suggesting it was imposed on Israel due to a lack of alternative proposals.

“

Israel under Netanyahu since October 7 has been mind-bogglingly passive on the diplomatic plane, with the US, Qatar, Turkey, and sometimes even more overtly hostile adversaries running circles around or over the head of the Jewish state.

A central tenet of Bennett's strategy is engaging with Egypt, which he believes Netanyahu has ignored or alienated. Bennett accuses ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir of damaging Israel's credit with Egypt and Jordan through their actions. He also points to incidents of Jewish extremist violence in the West Bank as further eroding Israel's international legitimacy. Bennett proposes regular meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, emphasizing the need for close collaboration with regional allies.

“

Netanyahu has zero Gaza diplomatic policy.