Former PM Bennett: ‘We Will Not Give a Single Centimeter to the Enemy’ as New United Opposition Takes Shape
Reflecto News | Israeli Politics | Middle East
TEL AVIV — Just hours after announcing the formation of a new joint opposition party with Yair Lapid, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a stark declaration regarding national security, vowing that Israel will retain full control over disputed territories.
Speaking to supporters following the “Together” (Yachad) party launch in Herzliya, Bennett addressed the security challenges facing the nation, particularly the ongoing threat from Iran and its proxies. Asserting a hardline stance on territorial integrity, Bennett stated:
“We will protect the lands of our country and will not give a single centimeter to the enemy.”
The statement marks a significant pivot for Bennett, who, during his time as Prime Minister in 2021-2022, led a diverse coalition that included centrist and left-wing parties. It also serves as a direct contrast to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism from the right for failing to fully secure the borders during the recent war with Iran and the ongoing tensions with Hezbollah.
Context: A Rightward Shift in the Opposition
Bennett’s declaration appears designed to accomplish two strategic goals simultaneously:
- Preempt Netanyahu’s Attacks: To counter Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expected campaign rhetoric that Bennett and Lapid would form a “left-wing government” reliant on Arab parties.
- Appeal to the Base: To reassure right-leaning voters that a vote for the new “Together” party is not a vote for territorial concessions, which have historically been a red line for the nationalist camp.
As a former leader of the Yesha Council (the umbrella organization of municipal councils of Jewish settlements in the West Bank) and a veteran of elite Sayeret Matkal unit, Bennett has long held hawkish security credentials. This rhetoric signals that the new opposition aims to outflank Netanyahu from the right on security issues—particularly regarding the buffer zone in southern Lebanon and control of strategic areas in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).
Timing: The Iran War and the ‘Day After’
Bennett’s vow comes amid the chaotic aftermath of the recent war with Iran and during a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- Iran War: The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, has reshaped the regional security landscape. Bennett is likely referring to the necessity of maintaining a security buffer against Iranian proxies.
- Lebanon Buffer Zone: The IDF is currently operating in southern Lebanon to enforce a ceasefire and push Hezbollah north of the Litani River. Bennett’s statement implies that Israeli forces should not retreat from any of the territory they have cleared, effectively maintaining a permanent security zone.
- Iranian Threat: In his leadership manifesto, Bennett has called for a “complete defeat” of the Iranian axis, aligning with the sentiment that Israel must hold every piece of ground it controls to prevent future attacks.
The National Security Debate in Israel
Bennett’s statement injects a crucial variable into the election campaign. The upcoming October 2026 election is widely viewed as a referendum on security following the traumatic events of the war.
| Position | Stance on Land/Territory |
|---|---|
| Bennett (Together) | “Not a single centimeter.” Full Israeli security control over the West Bank and Lebanon buffer zone. |
| Lapid (Yesh Atid) | Supports a two-state solution but insists on a security presence; has ceded security leadership to Bennett in the merger. |
| Netanyahu (Likud) | Vows to maintain sovereignty over settlement blocs; currently under fire for intelligence failures on October 7th and the Iran war. |
Response from the Political Right
Likud officials were quick to respond to Bennett’s speech, dismissing it as an attempt to steal right-wing voters while ultimately intending to sit in a government with leftists and Arabs.
One Likud MK, speaking anonymously to Ynet, stated: “Words are cheap. Bennett locked up the very lands he claims to protect when he sat with the Muslim Brotherhood to form a government in 2021. That is his real legacy.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What specific “lands” is Naftali Bennett referring to?
While Bennett did not specify exact coordinates, he was likely referring to: 1) The “security zones” in Southern Lebanon currently occupied by the IDF to push Hezbollah away from the border. 2) Area C of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), where he opposes any Palestinian sovereignty.
Q2. Does Yair Lapid agree with Bennett on this statement?
Lapid and Bennett have acknowledged they have policy differences. While Lapid supports a two-state solution in principle, he has agreed to Bennett leading the new party. Lapid has stated he will not be “a spoiler” on security issues, effectively deferring to Bennett’s expertise on territorial defense.
Q3: How does this stance compare to the current government?
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government also refuses to give land to the Palestinians. However, Bennett is specifically targeting voters who believe Netanyahu failed to prevent the October 7th massacre and has been reactive, rather than proactive, in the current Iran war.
Q4: Is this just election rhetoric?
While certainly aimed at rallying right-wing support, it is consistent with Bennett’s long-held political ideology. As a former settlement leader and commando, he believes that territorial concessions in the Middle East historically lead to increased terrorism rather than peace.
Q5: Could this alienate potential partners for a coalition?
Yes. The new “Together” party is running to win, but if they secure the most seats, they would need to form a coalition. Bennett’s hardline stance may make it difficult to partner with the left-leaning Labor or Arab parties, potentially forcing a unity government with Likud or a narrow right-wing coalition excluding religious parties.
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