Supporters of Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held a rally in Ra’anana on Sunday evening, calling on him to run in the upcoming election and renege on his decision not to.
The event’s Facebook page is called “Calling on Bennett to Return Now!” It was posted by a group called “Naftali Bennett – an Israeli Leader.”
“Are you also not ready to give up a once-in-a-generation leader?” the page read.
"In days of political chaos, Naftali Bennett is the only one who can bring determination, stability, the establishment of a functioning government for the benefit of the state and its citizens, a change in the social and political discourse in the State of Israel, and creating connections (which in the past were seen as impossible and utopian) between all parts of Israeli society that make it possible to lead the state to action, security, prosperity, and a better future."
Naftali Bennett - an Israeli Leader Facebook page
A Bennett-led party would make it into Knesset
“There is hope and it depends only on us! Come be a part of creating a good and safe future for all of us,” it read.
Bennett has received an in-depth survey that showed if the election were held today, a party under his leadership would pass the electoral threshold and become the kingmaker in the upcoming election, Channel 12 reported Friday.
Bennett, who is on vacation in southern Italy, did not officially respond to the report. According to an unofficial report from “Bennett’s inner circle,” “Following a very meaningful year as prime minister, Bennett’s intention was and still is to leave politics for the time being.”
Bennett received seven seats in the previous election, and in June 2021, he became prime minister after reaching a rotation agreement with Yair Lapid, the current prime minister. The Knesset dispersed itself this June 30, and Lapid took over as prime minister.
On June 29, Bennett said he would spend some time away from politics and not run in the upcoming election. He handed the party leadership over to long-time ally Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked.
On July 27, Shaked said she was merging with Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel’s Derech Eretz faction to form the Zionist Spirit Party.
The deadline for parties to hand in their lists is September 15. Although highly unlikely, if Bennett decides to join Zionist Spirit, it is unclear what his role would be.
A source in Zionist Spirit refused to comment on the matter.