Yamina party head Naftali Bennett aspires to conquer Balfour Street. He indeed has what it takes to be a good prime minister. He is both an ideologue and a pragmatist; statesmanlike and a man of the people. He represents a mix of Judaism and democracy, eloquence and ability, and integrity and political sophistication. He initiates and leads yet also knows how to maintain alliances, forge new connections, and plan long-term moves. To this list, however, we must add Bennett's conspicuous shortcoming: his recklessness.
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The public voted for the Right and the nationalist worldview it represents. This unequivocal choice must be respected. What the State of Israel desperately needs is stability, not a government in paralysis. Rotation governments are a mutation no vaccine will be able to rein in. Make no mistake, the Prime Minister's Residence is not the target of conquest in and of itself but the means for realizing a vision and values.
It's good that Bennett has a burning desire to serve as prime minister. He has the kind of spark in his eyes we haven't seen from New Hope chief Gideon Sa'ar and Blue and White head Benny Gantz. When the head of a party that garnered just seven seats recommends themselves for the premiership, this is a sign of possible delusions of grandeur.
We aren't against greatness. The opposite is true. Bennett, we hope you continue to grow as a political leader. You were an excellent finance minister and education minister. You were also a decent defense minister for all of two minutes. We would all be better off if you gained more experience before entering the Prime Minister's Residence in the future. A rushed entry at this point would inevitably include a hasty departure.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal Bennett return to the Likud is the right track for the Yamina chairman on his path to the premiership in the long term. Prime ministers can only develop out of large institutions like the Likud. Bennett has responded suspiciously to the offer. Proceeding with caution to Netanyahu's moves is never a bad idea. The Yamina leader has neither slammed the door in the premier's face nor responded immediately to Netanyahu's efforts to woo him. Netanyahu has the largest number of lawmakers recommending him for the role of prime minister. He doesn't need Bennett to be tasked with the mandate. If Netanyahu is ultimately able to cobble together a right-wing coalition, and Yamina is the only party missing, Bennett will join up with the Likud while maximizing his gains. He will return to the Defense Ministry offices, and Balfour will be there waiting for him when the next election comes along.
Only if Netanyahu fails to establish a government and tries to drag us into a fifth election will the door open for Bennett. As the last step to avoid another election and not due to his delusions of grandeur, the establishment of a government under his leadership may earn the public's support.
However, such a rash move at this time would decimate his ability to acquire the trust of the entire nationalist camp in such a scenario.
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