Naftali Bennett, Israel’s former prime minister, has said it’s time for Benjamin Netanyahu to leave office. Speaking in a recent television interview, Bennett argued that Netanyahu has been in power for far too long around 20 years and blamed him for worsening divisions within Israeli society.

Bennett, who briefly led Israel in 2021 through a coalition of parties opposed to Netanyahu, said the current government’s political leadership has been disastrous, especially in its handling of the ongoing war in Gaza. While he praised the military’s performance, he said the political decisions surrounding the conflict have been poorly managed.

He also called for a comprehensive deal to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza and suggested that the task of defeating Hamas should be left to a new government. Although he didn’t confirm whether he would return to politics, Bennett has been the subject of speculation about a possible comeback, with some polls indicating he could be a strong challenger.

Bennett further claimed that recent Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites were only possible because of steps taken during his time in office. While no national election is currently scheduled before 2026, early elections are a frequent occurrence in Israel, and political pressure on Netanyahu continues to grow.