Bennett Declares ‘I Am Right-Wing, I Am in Charge’ as New Opposition Party Takes Shape
Reflecto News | Israeli Politics | Elections 2026
TEL AVIV — Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett left no ambiguity about his political identity or leadership style during the launch of the new “Together” (Yachad) opposition party, delivering a emphatic three-part declaration of his political orientation and authority.
Speaking alongside his new political partner Yair Lapid, Bennett sought to reassure right-wing voters who may be wary of the centrist merger—while simultaneously projecting the strong leadership image he believes is necessary to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I am right-wing. I am right-wing liberal. I am right-wing, I am in charge.”
— Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett
Breaking Down Bennett’s Declaration
Bennett’s carefully crafted statement serves multiple strategic purposes, addressing different segments of the Israeli electorate with a single, memorable soundbite.
| Phrase | Target Audience | Message |
|---|---|---|
| “I am right-wing” | Nationalist/Religious Zionists | Reassures voters that Bennett has not abandoned his settlement roots or hawkish security stance |
| “I am right-wing liberal” | Secular, moderate, “Middle Israel” | Signals openness to civil marriage, economic freedom, and reducing religious coercion |
| “I am in charge” | All voters | Projects leadership authority; contrasts with Netanyahu’s coalition chaos |
The declaration is a direct response to Likud’s expected campaign strategy: painting the Bennett-Lapid merger as a “left-wing government in disguise” that would rely on Arab parties .
The ‘Right-Wing Liberal’ Identity: What It Means
Bennett’s description of himself as “right-wing liberal” (or “right-wing libertarian” in some translations) reflects a political philosophy that blends:
Right-Wing Elements:
- Security Hawk: Supports strong IDF action against Iran and Hezbollah; opposes territorial concessions
- Settlement Support: Vows “not to give a single centimeter” to the enemy
- Nationalism: Emphasizes Jewish statehood and Zionist identity
Liberal Elements:
- Economic Freedom: Supports free-market policies, reduced regulation, and lower taxes
- Personal Liberty: Signals openness to civil marriage and reducing religious coercion in personal status laws
- Anti-Coercion: Opposes forcing religious observance on secular Israelis
Bennett’s “right-wing liberal” label mirrors similar political movements in Europe and the United States, where center-right parties combine national security hawkishness with economic and social liberalism .
The Pivot from His Prior Government
The declaration marks a significant rhetorical shift for Bennett. During his 2021-2022 premiership, he led a “change government” that included left-wing and Arab parties, which forced him to soft-pedal his right-wing identity to keep the coalition intact .
Bennett’s political evolution:
| Period | Political Positioning |
|---|---|
| 2013-2019 (As Minister) | Hardline religious Zionist; opposed Palestinian statehood |
| 2021-2022 (As Prime Minister) | Pragmatic centrist; led diverse coalition; toned down right-wing rhetoric |
| 2026 (Opposition Leader) | Assertive right-wing liberal; reclaiming hawkish identity |
Now free from the constraints of a fragile coalition with leftist parties, Bennett is reclaiming his right-wing credentials to compete directly with Netanyahu for nationalist votes .
‘I Am in Charge’: The Leadership Message
The final element of Bennett’s declaration—”I am in charge”—is perhaps the most pointed. It targets two audiences simultaneously:
1. Voters Frustrated with Coalition Chaos:
Netanyahu’s current government has been plagued by infighting, particularly over military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students and budget allocations. Bennett’s message is that he would run a disciplined government where the Prime Minister—not coalition party bosses—makes final decisions.
2. Voters Worried About a Bennett-Lapid Power-Sharing Arrangement:
Because Bennett and Lapid have agreed that Bennett will lead the new party and serve as Prime Minister if they win, the “I am in charge” declaration signals that Lapid’s Yesh Atid will be a junior partner—not a co-equal.
“Lapid and I have different views on a range of issues, and we do not hide that. I am proud that two leaders with different views can fight together. But when decisions are made, someone must decide—and that will be me.”
— Naftali Bennett (paraphrased from press conference)
Contrast with Netanyahu
Bennett’s declaration implicitly contrasts his leadership style with Netanyahu’s, particularly regarding the latter’s reliance on ultra-Orthodox and far-right coalition partners.
| Aspect | Netanyahu (Likud) | Bennett (Together) |
|---|---|---|
| Right-Wing Identity | Yes, but coalition-dependent | Assertive, self-defined |
| Religious Parties | Relies on Haredi parties (UTJ/Shas) | Willing to govern without them |
| Settlement Policy | Maintains status quo | “Not a centimeter” |
| Social Issues (Marriage) | Status quo (no civil marriage) | Supports resolving the “Cyprus problem” |
| Leadership Style | Coalition management by negotiation | “I am in charge” |
Likud members quickly responded to Bennett’s declaration, dismissing it as a desperate attempt to salvage right-wing credibility after partnering with centrists .
The Challenge: Balancing Right-Wing and Liberal
Bennett’s “right-wing liberal” identity faces an inherent tension: how to satisfy right-wing voters who want hardline security and settlement policies while also attracting secular liberal voters who prioritize civil marriage and reduced religious influence?
The balancing act:
- Security: Hardline — No territorial concessions; strong military posture
- Economy: Liberal — Free markets; reduced regulation
- Religion & State: Liberal — Civil marriage; end to religious coercion
- Settlements: Hardline — Support for existing communities
This combination appeals to “Middle Israel”—secular, economically successful, nationalist voters who want strong security but reject ultra-Orthodox control over their personal lives. It is the same demographic that propelled Bennett’s 2021 government into power .
Is This a Winning Formula?
Recent polling suggests that a united Bennett-Lapid list could tie Likud in seat count, with the potential to become the largest faction if Gadi Eisenkot joins . Bennett’s assertion of right-wing identity may help consolidate voters who are tired of Netanyahu but hesitant to vote for a “centrist” ticket.
Key battleground demographics:
- Disillusioned Likud voters (Netanyahu fatigue)
- Secular nationalists (want security + civil marriage)
- Religious Zionists (who trust Bennett’s credentials)
By declaring “I am right-wing, I am in charge,” Bennett is signaling to all three groups that a vote for Together is not a vote for the left—but for a new brand of assertive, liberal nationalism .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Naftali Bennett actually right-wing?
Yes. Bennett has been a right-wing politician his entire career. He previously led the Jewish Home party, served as Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Minister of Economy in right-wing governments, and was a leader of the Yesha Council (settler umbrella organization).
Q2. What does “right-wing liberal” mean in the Israeli context?
In Israel, “right-wing liberal” typically refers to someone who supports free-market capitalism, reduced government regulation, and strong national security—but opposes religious coercion and supports civil marriage. It is distinct from the American definition of “liberal.”
Q3: Why did Bennett need to say “I am right-wing” after merging with Lapid?
The merger with Yair Lapid (a centrist) caused concern among Bennett’s right-wing base. By repeatedly asserting his right-wing identity, Bennett aims to reassure these voters that he has not moved left, even as he partners with centrists.
Q4. Is Bennett’s relationship with Lapid a power-sharing agreement?
The parties have merged into one list led by Bennett. Lapid will be the number two on the list. If the party wins, Bennett will be Prime Minister—not a rotation.
Q5. What is the difference between Bennett and Netanyahu on right-wing issues?
Both are right-wing on security. However, Bennett is more willing to confront the ultra-Orthodox parties on issues like civil marriage and military conscription, whereas Netanyahu relies on them for his coalition . Bennett also claims he will be more decisive (“I am in charge”).
Q6. How do right-wing voters feel about Bennett’s “liberal” social policies?
Mixed. Religious Zionists tend to oppose civil marriage. However, many secular right-wing voters support civil marriage and ending religious coercion. Polls show ~60% of Israeli Jews support same-sex marriage or civil unions .
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