Haaretz newspaper reported that Naftali Bennett, Yamina leader, hopes to become the next Prime Minister after the Knesset elections on March 23, 2021.   

The newspaper reported that Bennett is planning to become prime minister and prevent Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a government by joining the opposing camp against Netanyahu, which is described as a change bloc.

The opposing camp includes Tivka Hadasha, led by Gideon Sa’ar; Yesh Atid, led by Yair Lapid; Yisrael Beiteinu, led by Avigdor Liberman; Labor party, led by Merav Michaeli, and Meretz, led by Nitzan Horowitz. Bennett proposes to head the government or join a government led by Netanyahu.  

 Amit Segal, political analyst at Channel 12, said that Bennett says he would not want to have a fifth round of elections. The newspaper also reported that his statement was to justify his actions after the elections whose results would determine his alliance with Netanyahu or his opponents.

According to the newspaper, Bennett suggests the formation of an emergency government under his leadership that focuses on the Coronavirus and economic crisis, and refrains from engaging in heated issues. He believes that his suggestion will be accepted by the head of the opposing parties, including Meretz should it pass the threshold.

Bennett intentionally hides his alliance, and does not publicly declare joining Netanyahu’s government. However, informed sources say that he decided to rise alone far from Netanyahu’s shadow.