In a bold political maneuver that has reignited speculation across Israel’s political spectrum, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has officially registered a new political party under the name “Bennett 2026”, setting the stage for what could become a headline-grabbing return to national leadership ahead of the next Knesset elections, currently slated for October 27, 2026.
Bennett, who briefly held the premiership from June 2021 to June 2022, is reportedly assembling a powerhouse team of advisors and operatives, tapping into both political and high-tech talent pools to reforge his public image and policy platform. Channel 12 News revealed that he is turning to an unconventional source for building his inner circle—a high-tech placement company, signaling a Silicon Valley-style approach to political staffing.
“If and when it is decided to run in the actual elections, an announcement will be issued,” Bennett stated cautiously, keeping the door open while fueling nationwide speculation.
BREAKING: Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett registered a new party under the temporary name "Bennett 2026". His office said further announcement will be made if and when he will actually decide to run
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 1, 2025
A Political Engineer or a Pragmatist in Reinvention?
Sources close to the new party say Bennett has enlisted one of the most senior women in Israel’s manpower and placement industry to lead recruitment efforts—a move some interpret as his attempt to revolutionize the traditional political apparatus by infusing it with private-sector precision.
While some analysts claim this is simply a continuation of Bennett’s entrepreneurial mindset, others argue it is part of a broader strategy to correct past political missteps and deliver a leaner, more effective leadership machine.
Lapid Applauds, Right-Wing Rivals Lash Out
Opposition leader Yair Lapid offered a diplomatic olive branch, tweeting, “Israel needs a good government”, signaling a possible future alignment or at least a shared desire to challenge the current coalition.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett registered a party today under the temporary name "Bennett 2026". Bennett will make an announcement if and when a decision is made to actually run in the election.
— Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) April 1, 2025
But Bennett’s reemergence hasn’t been welcomed by everyone.
Amichai Chikli, Minister of Diaspora Affairs and a former ally-turned-critic, didn’t mince words.
“The transformation process is complete. Good luck in the race for the leadership of the Left against Lapid and Yair Golan,” he sneered, referring to Bennett’s 2021 coalition with centrist and Islamist factions, a move that severed his relationship with many on the ideological right.
The Palestinian State Controversy: Clarification or Capitulation?
In a flashpoint that continues to haunt his political brand, Bennett drew outrage in September 2024 when he appeared to open the door to discussions about a Palestinian state within six to eight years. The remarks, delivered during a conference in Frankfurt, struck a nerve with nationalist Israelis and former supporters who once viewed him as a champion of Judea and Samaria.
L'ancien Premier ministre Naftali Bennett enregistre son parti
— Dr. Fundji Benedict (@Fundji3) April 2, 2025
L'ancien Premier ministre Naftali Bennett a enregistré un nouveau parti. Le parti est enregistré sous le nom temporaire « Bennett 2026 ».
« Si et quand une décision sera prise de participer aux élections, une… pic.twitter.com/TQaBxgMeLI
“What we need to do in the short term is reduce friction with the Palestinians—improve their dignity, their autonomy—but not give up our security,” Bennett said at the time. “We can debate a Palestinian state in six years, maybe eight years.”
That statement led Channel 14 to report that Bennett had veered dramatically from his original political DNA. The network emphasized that Bennett, who once led the Yesha Council and staunchly opposed Palestinian statehood, was now flirting with dangerous diplomatic ambiguity.
Bennett quickly issued a rebuttal, accusing the broadcaster of distorting his words:
“The translation was a complete fake. I oppose a Palestinian state. Period.”
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to BBC:
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 20, 2025
“What’s your question?!” pic.twitter.com/SkCO1syzdX
Knesset Firmly Rejects Palestinian Statehood
Adding fuel to the fire, the Knesset in July 2024 overwhelmingly passed a resolution rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state under any circumstances. The motion, introduced by opposition lawmaker Ze’ev Elkin and backed by Yisrael Beiteinu, passed by a staggering 68 to 9 margin.
“The existence of a Palestinian state in the heart of Israel will pose an existential threat,” the resolution warned, declaring opposition to any state west of the Jordan River.
Bennett’s earlier openness to future discussions—no matter how hypothetical—seemed dangerously out of step with the current national consensus.
🚨It is tough to distinguish real news items from April fool items today, so when I first saw that, I thought it was fake. But I kid you not; it is real. 👇
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) April 1, 2025
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett registered a party today (Tuesday) under the temporary name "Bennett 2026."…
The Road to 2026: Reinvention or Repetition?
With “Bennett 2026” now officially registered, the former premier appears ready to test whether Israeli voters will give him a second chance—or punish him for his past alliances and perceived ideological drift.
The question looms large: Can Bennett recapture the support of the Israeli right, or is he destined to become a centrist wildcard in an increasingly polarized political arena?
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Naftali Bennett is back in the game, and Israel’s political chessboard just got a whole lot more interesting.
