2 Right-Wingers Who Broke With Netanyahu Could Bid to Unseat Him

In the high‑stakes arena of Israeli politics, two former allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have taken a decisive turn that could reshape the country’s leadership dynamics. Naftali Bennett, who served as Israel’s first coalition‑building prime minister, and Avigdor Liberman, who held the defence portfolio during the latter part of Netanyahu’s tenure, have publicly distanced themselves from the right‑wing establishment. Their breakaway has sparked speculation that they may collaborate on a campaign aimed at unseating the long‑time incumbent.Bennett’s political journey has long been characterized by a willingness to forge alliances across ideological lines..

When he first entered the national stage, he joined the Israeli Labor Party, but his tenure was brief. He moved to the Centre Party, and later, as a charismatic leader, he founded the right‑leaning New Hope party. The party’s 2021 elections saw Bennett secure a crucial coalition partner status, enabling him to replace Netanyahu after 12 years of rule..

Yet his subsequent tenure the limits of a purely right‑wing coalition, especially when economic challenges and a stalled Gaza cease‑fire put pressure on his government’s stability.Meanwhile, Liberman’s political path has been firmly rooted in the far‑right. His rise began in the Likud party, where he was known for his hard‑line stance on security and his controversial, nationalist rhetoric. As defence minister, he pushed a hard‑line policy against Iran and advocated for a robust military response to any perceived threats..

Despite this, his relationship with Netanyahu has always been uneasy, with Liberman often criticizing the Prime Minister’s diplomatic strategies and the perceived compromise with Arab neighbours.In late 2023, both men released statements that have been interpreted as a break with Netanyahu’s approach. Bennett, in an interview with a leading Israeli newspaper, criticised what he called the Prime Minister’s “overreliance on coalition partners that compromise Israel’s security” and urged a new coalition that could better address the country’s socio‑economic crises. Liberman, through a series of social media posts and a televised debate, called for a “clearer, more decisive stance on national security” that he claimed Netanyahu had abandoned in favour of “political expediency”.These declarations came at a time of growing frustration among the electorate..

Israel’s inflation rate had surged beyond 15% in the second quarter, a sharp increase that has eroded purchasing power across all sectors. The cost of living crisis has hit middle‑income families hardest, sparking a series of protests that have turned increasingly confrontational. In addition, the prolonged state of war in Gaza has further strained the national psyche and heightened demands for decisive leadership.In response, Bennett and Liberman have indicated that they are willing to form a new political platform..

According to sources close to the former prime minister, the proposed coalition would combine Bennett’s centrist‑leaning, technocratic governance style with Liberman’s nationalist security posture. The two would aim to attract a broad base of voters: the disaffected centre‑right, who feel betrayed by Netanyahu’s handling of the economy, and the national‑security‑conscious electorate that sees a need for a tougher stance on Iran and Hamas.The potential coalition is still in its infancy, but early signs suggest a rapid mobilisation of resources. Bennett’s New Hope party has already been in talks with a number of smaller parties that traditionally sit in the periphery of Israel’s political spectrum, such as the Blue‑White Alliance and the Religious Zionist Movement..

Liberman, meanwhile, has been engaging with the far‑right parties, notably the Religious Zionist Party, the National Union and the Israeli Freedom Party, seeking to cement a bloc that can command a sizeable parliamentary presence.The strategic timing of this move cannot be ignored. In March, the Knesset passed a landmark bill that would extend the tenure of the current coalition for an additional six months, effectively preventing an immediate snap election. Both Bennett and Liberman see this as an opportunity to challenge Netanyahu’s grip on power before the next scheduled parliamentary cycle, which is set for 2025..

By positioning themselves as an alternative that promises decisive governance on both domestic and security fronts, they hope to capture the disillusionment of voters who feel the status quo is no longer viable.Critics, however, warn that the alliance could be fraught with internal contradictions. Bennett’s focus on pragmatic solutions, such as fiscal reform and economic diversification, may clash with Liberman’s uncompromising stance on security matters. If the coalition were to come to power, it would need a clear strategy for reconciling these differences to present a coherent policy platform..

Failure to do so could lead to a perception of a fragile partnership that mirrors the volatility that has historically plagued Israel’s coalition governments.The implications for Netanyahu’s future are significant. Although he remains the dominant figure in Likud, the party’s internal support is eroding, especially among younger voters who view his approach as increasingly out of touch with contemporary challenges. Moreover, his recent policy decisions have sparked legal scrutiny, and an upcoming corruption trial could further undermine his position..

If Bennett and Liberman succeed in consolidating a coalition that can win a parliamentary majority, Netanyahu may find himself squeezed from both sides of the political spectrum.In conclusion, the breakaway of Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman signals a potential realignment of Israeli politics. Their willingness to collaborate on a platform that bridges centrist governance and hard‑line security policy could attract a broad coalition of voters. While the practicalities of forming a stable government remain uncertain, the move undoubtedly adds a new dimension to the race for Israel’s premiership, offering a formidable challenge to Netanyahu’s long‑standing rule..