Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett participated tonight (Monday) in an event organized by the Jewish Federations of New York, and shared with the audience insights into the current situation in Israel and the government he headed.
According to the report in Khan News, Bennett described the formation of the government with elements that are ideologically distant from him as a tremendous step, which he was happy to implement saying that it was the right thing for the people of Israel.
The former Prime Minister criticized the decision of the Minister of Health at the time, Nitzan Horowitz, to introduce sour cream into hospitals during Passover, one of the events that led to the breakup of the coalition. He called the decision “stupid”, and believed that he should not have acted that way. When asked if he will return to politics soon – Bennett replied “I will”.
On the subject of judicial system reform, Bennett said he supports such a move but more moderately than the government’s current proposal. He estimated that a compromise would be reached on the matter. He called on the opposition to enter into a dialogue with the government, as there is a measure of responsibility for elected officials, and this will repel radical proposals.
On political issues, Bennett said that Israel has the military capabilities to unilaterally attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also described to those present the mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine, which he led in the first months of the war between them.
On the subject of relations between Israel and American Jewry, Bennett called on the Jewish community to continue to express its opinion on what is happening in Israel, and to be in contact with Israel’s leaders. On the other hand, he said that Prime Minister Netanyahu should listen to American Jews, even to voices with which he disagrees