Naftali Bennett

Naftali Bennett is an Israeli politician and served as 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 Bayit Yehudi 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. 

However, this government would ultimately collapse and Bennett would subsequently exit the Israeli political scene.

Naftali Bennett assists injured driver on the way to slain soldier's funeral

The driver was lying on the side of the road outside of Ashkelon, where Bennett was heading to attend the funeral of slain soldier Sgt. Shahar Manoav.

 Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet assists an injured driver on the side of the road.
 (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.

Netanyahu surges in first poll after Iran war, Bennett's bloc remains ahead, election poll finds

 Yoaz Hendel testifies during a hearing of the civil investigative committee on the October 7 massacre, in Tel Aviv, August 8, 2024.

Yoaz Hendel’s reservist group begins proceedings to form new party

 (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.

Netanyahu falls short of forming gov't in latest voting projections - survey


Former prime minister Bennett launches AI-powered public diplomacy campaign

“There is no starvation in Gaza. This is yet another lie from our enemies. Israel must engage in the battle for global perception," Bennett said.

 Former Prime Minister Bennett launches AI-powered public diplomacy campaign

Golan surges in polls, Bennett leads opposition; Likud weakens

Yair Golan’s Democrats are gaining momentum as Naftali Bennett tops the latest poll. Likud loses ground, and Netanyahu’s bloc remains far from a majority.

 YAIR GOLAN speaks after the results were announced in the Labor Party primary election, in Tel Aviv, on Tuesday.

Ashdod man indicted for surveilling Bennett for Iran

Moshe Atias, 18, was indicted for spying for Iran and aiding the enemy during the Israel-Hamas war.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett in August 2022 against the background of the silhouette of a man, seen over the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran (illustrative).

Netanyahu's coalition drops to 48 seats as opposition gain ground - poll

Beyond party preferences, the poll also measured public opinion on haredi integration into the IDF and the teachers' strike.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at court in Tel Aviv, May 6, 2025.

Bennett slams draft dodging by Israeli leaders, calls for 'covenant of service'

"Inside a tank in Gaza, there is no Right or Left, no secular or religious. There is only unity of purpose: to bring the hostages home and defeat Hamas," said Bennett.

 Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett speaks during the Israel Information Technology Conference in Ness Ziona, May 5, 2025.

Gov't members to raise own salaries while teachers strike over budget cuts - report

Just one day earlier, Smotrich wrote a letter to teachers, assuring them that rumors of government members receiving a pay raise are false.

(L to R): Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

Post-Bennett heart attack: Warning signs and first aid treatment until MDA arrives

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett underwent Catheterization at Meir Medical Center after suffering a heart attack during physical activity.

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett donates blood in memory of Sgt. First Class Yona Betzalel Brief, March 27, 2025.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett admitted to hospital

Bennett underwent a catheterization, according to the reports. 

 Former prime minister Naftali Bennett in Tel Aviv. August 1, 2022.

Opposition heads blast Netanyahu, say PM was 'afraid' to attack Iran

Yair Lapid: "Destroying Iran's oil industry would collapse its economy and ultimately bring down the regime. Netanyahu was afraid and stopped it."

 (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.

Fire alarm set off as Princeton activists protest Bennett lecture

Naftali Bennett’s Princeton lecture was disrupted by protests and a fire alarm. The university is investigating, and its president apologized.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett

Former Shin Bet head: Netanyahu asked me to use intelligence powers for personal political gain

The affidavit, unprecedented in its severity, revealed two times Netanyahu attempted to exploit Shin Bet powers for political and personal purposes.

 Yoram Cohen, then chief of Israel's Shin Bet internal security service, attends a session of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee in the parliament in Jerusalem May 30, 2012.