Former Israeli PM Bennett's remarks on Turkey and Qatar: 'We will remove them from Gaza'

Former Israeli Prime Minister and leader of the B'Yachad Party, Naftali Bennett, targeted Turkey and Qatar in his statements regarding the future of Gaza. Bennett stated that if he comes to power, he will end the role of both countries in Gaza and make Egypt more effective in this area.

Speaking at his party's National Security Conference, Bennett criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for not sufficiently changing its security understanding after the October 7, 2023 attacks. He argued that Israel needs a new security approach that evaluates military, economic, diplomatic, and domestic political power together.

Opposing the influence of Turkey and Qatar on the Gaza issue, Bennett said, "We will remove Turkey and Qatar from Gaza and replace them with Egypt." Claiming that the effectiveness of Ankara and Doha in the region prevents the disarmament of Hamas, Bennett argued that Hamas could be eliminated if Egypt manages the process together with Israel.

MESSAGES ON HAMAS, QATAR, AND IRAN

Bennett argued that Hamas should be completely liquidated during the war, but that the current government has moved away from this goal. Claiming that Hamas is rearming and continuing training activities for future attacks, the former prime minister said that the Israeli army should not withdraw from its current military line in Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Reiterating his accusations against Qatar, Bennett claimed that the Doha administration contributed to the occurrence of the October 7 events. Bennett stated that if he returns to power, he will officially declare Qatar a "hostile state." The Qatari administration had previously denied similar accusations.

The former Israeli Prime Minister also called for a tougher deterrence policy against Iran and Iranian-backed groups in the region. Stating, "If Hezbollah fires at us, we will fire at Iran," Bennett argued that attacks against Israel should result in a direct response against Iranian territory.

In his speech, Bennett also listed his proposals regarding domestic policy. Calling for mandatory military service without exceptions for everyone of military age, including Ultra-Orthodox men, Bennett said that the education system should be restructured, Israel's communication toward the international public should be strengthened, and the Abraham Accords should be expanded.

News Source: 12punto