Could Israel’s Bennett become next leader of the right?
HaBayit HaYehudi head Naftali Bennett has won his party’s leadership, but his victory doesn't open a direct path to that of the right-wing camp.
When the chairman of HaBayit HaYehudi, Minister of Education Naftali Bennett, entered the polling station on the morning of April 27, he was greeted by his supporters who shouted, "Who's there? The next prime minister!"
Accompanied by his wife Gilat, Bennett was there to vote in the primaries for his party's leadership. Bennett had initiated the early primaries, saying that HaBayit HaYehudi must be ready in the event of early elections. But beyond his desire to prepare the party for future possibilities, Bennett also wanted to hold sudden primaries in an effort to ensure that he would win another term as party head. He wanted to take advantage of there currently being no significant challenger. And indeed, the move proved to be a success. He swept the election with some 80% of the total votes. This means that for the third consecutive time, he will lead the party in the next election.
