Many Israelis considering leaving country permanently, warns Bennett

Former PM points to ongoing conflicts, govt policies as reasons for Israelis questioning their future in the country

JERUSALEM:

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a stark warning on Friday, expressing concern that the current policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government are prompting many Israelis to consider leaving the country permanently.

In a post on his X account, Bennett highlighted the growing despair among Israelis, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in Gaza and northern Israel, particularly near the Lebanese border. Bennett suggested that the government’s handling of these crises is leading to widespread disillusionment.

Bennett also criticised the government's decision to continue exempting Haredi Jews from military service. He questioned why an entire sector of the population is not required to enlist in the army, pointing out the financial burden placed on working Israelis to support the Ultra-Orthodox communities, many of whom do not participate in the workforce. "Why should I finance publics who do not go out to work?" he remarked.

In addition to these frustrations, Bennett voiced disapproval of the Israeli ministers, accusing them of engaging in constant infighting and undermining the military’s leadership. He suggested that Netanyahu's policies are worsening the country's problems rather than resolving them.

According to reports, around 120,000 Israelis have been displaced since the Hamas attack on 7 October. Many of these individuals, particularly from northern Israel and areas surrounding Gaza, have been relocated to hotels across the country at the government's expense.

Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza despite international calls for a ceasefire, including a UN Security Council resolution. The ongoing offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 40,600 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and has left more than 93,800 injured, according to local health officials. The situation is further compounded by a blockade that has caused severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, leaving much of Gaza in a state of devastation.

Israel is now facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which recently ordered a halt to military operations in the southern city of Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge before the area was invaded in early May.