Naftali Bennett

Naftali Bennett is an Israeli politician and served as the country’s 13th prime minister.

The son of American immigrants, Bennett grew up in Haifa. He and his wife Gilat live in Ra’anana with their four children.

After his IDF service in the Maglan Commando Brigade and the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, Bennett ventured into software entrepreneurship, heading various companies that sold out for over $100 million.

He surfaced on the scene of Israeli politics in 2006 as chief of staff for Benjamin Netanyahu.

After leading both the Bayit Yehudi and Yamina parties and serving in various ministerial positions, Bennett was sworn in on June 13, 2021 as Israel's 13th prime minister in a rotation government with Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid.

Under the rotation government, Bennett would serve as prime minister until 2023, and Lapid would assume the role until 2025.

However, this government would ultimately collapse and Bennett would subsequently exit the Israeli political scene.

Lapid rejects Democrats merger, says divide with Yair Golan mirrors gap with Netanyahu

Lapid said that the difference between him and Golan is comparable to the difference between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “They are Left-wing, I am Center,” he said.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026|ByKESHET NEEV

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid speaks at the Knesset on the day of US President Donald Trump's address, amid a U.S.-brokered prisoner-hostage swap and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025.

YAIR LAPID (left) and Naftali Bennett share a smile at the Knesset in 2013.

Why did Lapid launch 'doom campaign' before election was even called? - analysis

With his recent statements, opposition leader Yair Lapid is telling voters: you have a wide selection in the “change camp”, choose the party you know will not join a government with Netanyahu.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026|ByHERB KEINON

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, on February 17, 2026.

Israeli ex-PM Naftali Bennett indicates he will not form gov't with Netanyahu after elections

Bennett's remarks come ahead of the upcoming elections and amid recent speculation regarding his stance on forming a government with Netanyahu.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026|ByKESHET NEEV

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett attends a conference at the Academic College in Tel Aviv, January 7, 2026.

Bennett’s poll surge could be pushing him toward Likud, Yesh Atid MK warns

Yesh Atid MK Mickey Levy warns Naftali Bennett’s poll surge is fueled by Lapid voters, not “natural” rising support in his ideology, and cautions a stronger Bennett could ultimately align with Likud.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026|By103FM

Haredi protests block Jerusalem entrance, Highway 38

The protesters initially disrupted traffic both around the entrance to Jerusalem and on Highway 38. Police announced that they had successfully dispersed the protesters on 38.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM, TOBIAS SIEGAL

Haredi anti-draft protesters block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak denouncing the detention of a draft dodger, February 9, 2026.

Criticism without a platform, the problem with Bennett’s return - opinion

Bennett’s campaign leans on critique and rhetoric, offering little clarity on policy, governance, or Israel’s future direction.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByMARC TOBIN, MICAH AVNI

Naftali Bennett.

WATCH: Israel Police rescue two female IDF soldiers chased by ultra-Orthodox mob in Bnei Brak

Over 20 arrested as haredi parties condemn violence, stress it does not reflect the broader haredi community.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM, TOBIAS SIEGAL

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) mob flips police car while chasing female soldiers in Bnei Brak, February 15, 2026.

Netanyahu faces tight race against Bennett in upcoming elections, new poll finds

The poll also finds that 47% of Israelis do not believe Netanyahu’s version of events regarding October 7. By contrast, 28% say they believe his account, while 25% say they don't want to know.

FEBRUARY 13, 2026ByMOSHE COHEN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing in the Prime Minister"s Office hold a press conferene at the Prime Minister's office in Jerursalem, January 27, 2026.

Bennett pledges security focus and cost of living cuts in comeback bid campaign

At an event for olim, Bennett discussed his plan to "fix Israel together."

FEBRUARY 12, 2026ByKESHET NEEV

Naftali Bennett speaks during a conference at the Reichman University in Herzliya, on January 22, 2026.

Pro-Israel Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad weighs Knesset run, poll tests strength

Pro-Israel activist and IDF veteran Yoseph Haddad is contemplating a political party for Israel's next Knesset elections, with recent polls showing strong support, especially from Jewish voters.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Yoseph Haddad demonstrates against a rally marking the "Nakba" at Tel Aviv University, May 15, 2024; illustrative.

Supermajority of Israeli Arabs support re-establishing Joint List for Knesset elections, poll shows

A new poll by ArPanel reveals strong backing among Israeli Arabs for a unified Joint List, with 82% in favor and a clear preference for new candidates in the upcoming Knesset election.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026ByJAMES GENN, MOSHE COHEN

Arab MK Ayman Odeh (at the plenum) and MK Ahmad Tibi (in the foreground) attend a Hadash-Ta'al faction meeting at the Knesset, February 2, 2026.

Benjamin Netanyahu: October 7 massacre was an 'intelligence failure, but not a betrayal'

On Iran, Netanyahu told the Knesset's defense committee that Israel would "respond with force never before seen" should the Islamic Republic choose to carry out strikes against Israeli targets.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026ByTZVI JASPER, KESHET NEEV

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 5, 2026

Bennett adds Trump adviser, Netanyahu consultants to campaign team ahead of Israel elections

Fabrizio currently serves as a central adviser and pollster to US President Donald Trump. He also served as Trump's pollster during both the 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns.

FEBRUARY 4, 2026ByKESHET NEEV, AMICHAI STEIN

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett speaks at a political event in Jerusalem, November 19, 2025; illustrative.

IDI expert weighs if joint lists pose threat to Netanyahu ahead of Israel's elections - interview

Opposition parties remaining separate may actually offer strategic advantages for campaigning against Netanyahu, Rahat explained.

JANUARY 29, 2026ByKESHET NEEV

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ministers and MK's attend a Special Session in his Honor of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 26, 2026.