Ben Gvir Challenges Bennett to Debate Amid Political Fallout Over Netanyahu
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir challenged former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to a debate during a chance encounter at a conference, following Bennett's remarks clarifying his opposition to any future coalition with Benjamin Netanyahu.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir challenged former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to a one-on-one debate after the two crossed paths in a corridor at the Walla conference.
"What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of a debate? I see you talking... You are the one who formed a government with Mansour Abbas," Ben Gvir told Bennett. "A swindler is a swindler, swindling is a profession."
The confrontation occurred shortly after Bennett sought to quell a political storm sparked by remarks at a BeYachad event where he initially did not rule out Benjamin Netanyahu serving as a minister in a future government under a different leader. Facing heavy backlash, Bennett clarified his stance during an interview on 103fm.
"There will be no government with Netanyahu. Netanyahu bears personal and direct responsibility for October 7," Bennett stated, adding that Netanyahu opposes a state commission of inquiry and ultra-Orthodox military conscription, making it impossible for him to continue in office.
Bennett emphasized his current focus on expanding his political bloc, visiting Likud strongholds, and appealing to reservist families. He stated that the State of Israel cannot survive without dismantling what he termed the anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox state within the country.