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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.
Israeli Economy Minister and head of the far-right Jewish Home party, Naftali Bennett gestures as he gives a speech during a debate on economy on March 11, 2015 in the costal Israeli city of Tel Aviv. Six days before Israel votes in a snap general election, the centre-left Zionist Union opened a lead of several points over the ruling rightwing Likud party, a poll showed. Bennett, 42, is a champion of the settler movement and a key challenger of Netanyahu to head Israel's rightwing.    AFP PHOTO / GIL COHEN-

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.

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