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Naftali Bennett

Naftali Bennett is an Israeli politician and the country’s 13th prime minister.


The son of American immigrants, Bennett grew up in Haifa. He and his wife Gilat live in Ra’anana with their four children.


After his IDF service in the Maglan Commando Brigade and the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, Bennett ventured into software entrepreneurship, heading various companies that sold out for over $100 million. 


He surfaced on the scene of Israeli politics in 2006 as chief of staff for Benjamin Netanyahu. 


After leading both the Jewish Home and Yamina parties and serving in various ministerial positions, Bennett was sworn in on June 13, 2021 as Israel's 13th prime minister in a rotation government with Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid. 


Under the rotation government, Bennett would serve as prime minister until 2023, and Lapid would assume the role until 2025. 

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 Former hostages speak at Tel Aviv's Hostage Square.

Majority of Israelis favor deal to end war if it returns all hostages

By MOSHE COHEN
 Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrives to testify at the commission of inquiry into Nahal Tzafit disaster in Tel Aviv, August 1, 2022

IDF reservists intend to vote for Bennett, oppose haredi draft exemption

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former prime minister Naftali Bennett. (Illustrative)

Netanyahu's Likud gains seats as corruption trial, Syria action unfolds

By MOSHE COHEN
 Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrives to testify at the commission of inquiry into Nahal Tzafit disaster in Tel Aviv, August 1, 2022

Former PM Naftali Bennett quashes rumors of party with Eyal Waldman as No.2

By Avi Ashkenazi
 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wipes tears from his eyes as he recounts the sacrifices of the Religious Zionist community, October 28, 2024.

Global leaders express contrasting opinions on Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

By Eyal Green , SARAH MOSKOWITZ
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett seen in an illustrative

While Likud deals with ICC warrants: Bennett-led political party could win elections

By MOSHE COHEN
 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister and MK's attend a plenary session of the opening day of the winter session at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on october 28, 2024.

Among many controversies, Netanyahu's coalition weakens by one mandate according to survey

By MOSHE COHEN
 Benjamin Netanyahu, Yaov Gallant, Neftali Bennett (illustrative).

Likud strengthens, coalition weakens: How did the public react to the firing of Gallant?

 (L-R) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, August 4, 2024, Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, September 11 2023, Opposition Leader and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid, August 14 2024.

Likud gains steady lead, Israelis prefer Trump over Harris

 FORMER PRIME MINISTER Naftali Bennett attends the funeral of Avraham Munder and reinterment of Avraham’s son Roee, murdered on October 7, at the Kibbutz Nir Oz cemetery.

Former PM Bennett calls for state October 7 probe in emotional post on X

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (L) and Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy (R), 3 November 2021.

'Everything should be on the table,' says Bennett regarding actions against Iran

PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennet

New poll shows Bennet overtaking Netanyahu amid Lebanon escalation

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett seen in an illustrative

Former PM Naftali Bennett calls for strike on Iran's nuclear program

 Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and former prime minister Naftali Bennett address the October 7 massacre on the one-year anniversary commemorating the events. October 7, 2024.

'A year of hard and continuous war': Israeli leaders commemorate Oct. 7 anniversary

 National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, former prime minister Naftali Bennett, and RZP MK Moshe Solomon.

'Enough is enough': Israeli officials respond to IDF's Lebanon ground operation

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu heads to a parliamentary faction meeting of his Likud Party, in the Knesset on Monday

Likud soars to new high in polls after the humiliation of Hezbollah

By MOSHE COHEN
Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Gideon Sa'ar (R)

Just like Bennett, Sa’ar is allowed to change his mind

CAMPAIGN POSTERS for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, New Hope Leader Gideon Sa’ar and Yisrael Beytenu head Avigdor Liberman are dotting the country as the March 23 election nears.

Sa'ar cites previous offers from Lapid following 'inexperienced' comment