Israeli opposition leader and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett outlined a security platform on Wednesday that includes designating Qatar an “enemy state,” maintaining Israel’s military presence in Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, and holding Iran responsible for attacks by Hezbollah.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Israel’s 27th October general election, Bennett presented what he described as a new security doctrine that he would pursue if he succeeds in forming the next government.
Bennett criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to national security, arguing that the assumptions underpinning Israeli policy before the Hamas-led attacks of 7th October 2023, had failed.
“On 7th October, an entire security concept, which Netanyahu had entrenched for years, collapsed,” Bennett said, adding that the current political leadership was still adhering to what he described as a flawed approach.
READ: Israeli official says army will remain in Gaza until Hamas disarms; US backing for targeted strikes reported
