Bennett outlines security platform, pledging tougher policies on Qatar, Gaza and Iran

Israeli opposition leader and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett outlined a security platform on Wednesday that includes designating Qatar an “enemy state,” maintaining Israel’s military presence in Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, and holding Iran responsible for attacks by Hezbollah.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Israel’s 27th October general election, Bennett presented what he described as a new security doctrine that he would pursue if he succeeds in forming the next government.

Bennett criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to national security, arguing that the assumptions underpinning Israeli policy before the Hamas-led attacks of 7th October  2023, had failed.

“On 7th October, an entire security concept, which Netanyahu had entrenched for years, collapsed,” Bennett said, adding that the current political leadership was still adhering to what he described as a flawed approach.

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On Gaza, Bennett said Israel should maintain its current military positions until Hamas is fully disarmed and weapons are removed from the territory.

“We will not budge an inch from the Yellow Line until Hamas is completely disarmed and weapons are removed from Gaza,” he said.

His position would effectively condition any further Israeli military withdrawal on the completion of disarmament, an issue that has become a central point of disagreement in negotiations over the next phase of the Gaza arrangements.

Bennett also pledged to designate Qatar an “enemy state” if he forms the next government. Qatar has maintained diplomatic contacts with Hamas while also serving as a mediator, alongside Egypt, Turkey and the United States, in negotiations concerning Gaza.

On Lebanon, Bennett said his proposed doctrine would treat Iran as responsible for attacks carried out by Hezbollah, and that Israel would respond by striking Iran following such attacks.

Bennett’s remarks come as Israel’s opposition parties seek to challenge Netanyahu’s governing coalition in the October election, with security policy, the future of Gaza and relations with regional states expected to feature prominently in the campaign.

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