Based on the available search results, I cannot confirm or find evidence for the claim attributed to former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett that “We’ve lost the Negev — Hamas has taken over the Negev.”
The provided search results extensively cover the Israeli political landscape, the upcoming elections, Naftali Bennett’s alliance with Yair Lapid, and his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but they do not mention any statement about Hamas taking over the Negev region . The Negev is a large desert region in southern Israel, and such a claim would represent an unbelievably dramatic development, contradicting verified reporting that shows Hamas’s influence remains concentrated in the Gaza Strip .
Here is a summary of what the search results show about Naftali Bennett’s actual statements and the political context:
Naftali Bennett’s Actual Statements in 2026 (per search results):
| Statement/Position | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Forming ‘Together’ alliance | Joined with Yair Lapid to run in the October 2026 elections under a united “Together” party, led by Bennett. | |
| Promise of State Commission of Inquiry | Vowed to establish a powerful, independent state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, a move opposed by Netanyahu. | |
| Mandatory Military Service | Pledged to pass legislation requiring military service for all, ending exemptions for most ultra-Orthodox young men. | |
| Criticism of Netanyahu’s Leadership | Accused Netanyahu of being a “weak, pitiful, helpless nebech” and the “Israeli Forrest Gump”—a leader who is led by events, not one who commands them. | |
| Criticism over ‘Qatargate’ | Accused Netanyahu’s office of having close aides who worked for Qatar, which he described as “the main driving force powering Hamas.” |
Since the claimed statement about the Negev could not be found, it is possible the information is unsubstantiated or originates from an unreliable source. For accurate and verified information, please consult official transcripts or speeches from Naftali Bennett’s office.
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