Bennett against Eisenkot: "Whoever opposes a Palestinian state must support settlement"
The Yachad party chairman addressed several issues at an event in Rishon LeZion, presenting a firm stance on Haredi conscription: "Zero exemptions." Bennett also called on Israel and the US to work to accelerate the fall of the Iranian regime and completely ruled out a Palestinian state in any configuration.
Former Prime Minister and Yachad chairman Naftali Bennett was a guest on Friday at a "Culture Friday" event in Rishon LeZion, where he addressed several key issues, including Haredi conscription, the war in Iran, the situation in the Gaza Strip, construction in E1, and the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.
On Haredi conscription: "Zero exemptions"
Bennett presented a position that no exemptions from conscription should be given to Haredim, not even to yeshiva students. "Bibi talks about 50% exemptions, Gadi about 30%, I say zero exemptions," he stated. According to him, Torah study can be combined with service. Bennett proposed establishing Haredi Hesder yeshivas along the Jordan Valley and Egyptian borders, where students would combine study with military service.
Bennett added that he intends to stop funding for those who do not enlist or work. "Whoever does not serve in the IDF will not receive a shekel from the State of Israel. Whoever does not work will not receive a shekel. I am closing all the billions in funding taps," he said. However, he clarified that he would not force conscription through the police: "If that guy wants to sit in Bnei Brak and study Torah all his life, I am not arresting him; I am just not paying him."
He also addressed the Haredi education system, stating his intent to promote state-Haredi schools that teach mathematics, English, Zionism, and democracy alongside Torah studies. "Not Zionist — not on my dime," he said.
On Gaza: "Zero containment"
Regarding balloon launches from the Gaza Strip, Bennett called for a policy of "zero containment." "I don't care if there are explosives or not. These are not birthdays in Gaza; these are terrorists, this is Hamas. Therefore, whoever launches a terror balloon into Israel, their sentence is death," he declared.
On Iran: "Accelerate the fall of the regime"
Regarding Iran, Bennett stated that Israel and the United States must act over the long term. "The State of Israel together with the United States must embark on a multi-year campaign — not just bombings, but an economic, diplomatic, and cyber campaign, and strengthening the opposition to accelerate the fall of that regime," he said.
Bennett noted that during his time as Prime Minister, he promoted the "Octopus Doctrine" and initiatives such as smuggling Starlink receivers into Iran to maintain internet access for citizens during protests, which he believes could have increased the chances of the regime falling.
On construction in E1 and a Palestinian state
Bennett addressed Gadi Eisenkot's opposition to construction in the E1 area near Ma'ale Adumim, clarifying his support for the move: "E1 connects Jerusalem to Ma'ale Adumim, and we need Israeli continuity. Whoever opposes a Palestinian state must support settlement in E1."
When asked directly if he supports the establishment of a Palestinian state, Bennett replied: "Obviously not. I oppose a Palestinian state, period. In no constellation." He argued that such a state would be an irreversible threat to Israel and could open its borders to millions of descendants of Palestinian refugees.
