Former Prime Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett recently spoke on 'Sunday Night in America' about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as concerns over U.S. involvement and rising antisemitism.
Bennett emphasized Israel's commitment to pushing the offensive against Hamas as long as the group holds hostages. He highlighted Hamas's explicit goal of destroying Israel and targeting Jews, stating that Israel has no choice but to defend itself.
In response to calls for regime change in Israel by U.S. officials like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Bennett underscored Israel's democratic processes. He contrasted Israel's vibrant democracy with non-democratic regimes in the Middle East, such as Iran.
Regarding reports of the Biden administration conditioning ammunition support for Israeli actions in Gaza, Bennett expressed hope that the rumors were untrue. He stressed the importance of fighting against radical Islam, both in the Middle East and globally, and emphasized the need for support from allies like the United States.
Bennett also addressed concerns about antisemitic behavior among college students in the U.S., expressing hope that their actions stemmed from naivety rather than malice. He urged young individuals to reconsider their stance and recognize Israel as the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.
Overall, Bennett's remarks shed light on the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the importance of democratic values, and the ongoing fight against extremism and antisemitism.
