Netanyahu’s decline benefits pro-settler Bennett
With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu falling in the polls and facing public discontent, Yamina leader Naftali Bennett is more popular than ever.
Yamina leader Naftali Bennett is showing signs that he intends to run for prime minister in the next elections. His associates are also spreading hints. They say that when the next elections take place, Bennett might actually recommend someone other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to compose the new government.
Of course, things might look different when elections are actually held, as Bennett's electorate has always been loyal to Netanyahu. Still, these developments indicate that Bennett is getting more confident of his own popularity.
When Netanyahu composed his current government last April, he left out right-wing, pro-settler Yamina. But combined with the COVID-19 crisis, Netanyahu’s decision has turned out to be an unintentional gift to Bennett.
Bennett served as defense minister in Netanyahu’s last government (November 2019 until April 2020). But ever since the defense portfolio was transferred to Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, Bennett's popularity has been rising. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has been losing ground in public opinion polls due to what is perceived as his failure in managing the COVID-19 crisis. The Likud’s lost polling numbers have shifted to Bennett, who garnered public sympathy for his own COVID-19 actions as defense minister.
