Former PM Bennett: Netanyahu 'does not know how to win in any arena'

2026-03-27 - 08:10

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "does not know how to win in any arena," criticizing the government's handling of military operations in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, according to Israeli media. "The current government's political leadership is obstructing the army's ability to achieve victory across multiple fronts," Bennett said in an interview with Channel 12, accusing leaders of prioritizing political considerations over security needs. Troop shortage He said the military is facing a shortage of about 20,000 troops, arguing that drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews could help fill the gap but that "the government is avoiding the move for political reasons." Separately, Haaretz cited Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin as saying the army faces a shortfall of about 15,000 soldiers due to expanded operations on multiple fronts and the absence of legislation mandating ultra-Orthodox enlistment. Military readiness concerns Defrin said the military needs to reinforce forces in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank and Syria, adding that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is required to present his assessment of the army's readiness and stressing the need to pass a law mandating conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews. Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Zamir warned the army is heading toward internal strain amid growing operational burdens and the lack of legislation regulating recruitment and military service. Conscription legislation The proposed law aims to impose gradual enlistment quotas on ultra-Orthodox communities to address manpower shortages during the war, with financial and criminal penalties for those who refuse—a measure strongly opposed by religious parties that are key members of Netanyahu's governing coalition. Conflict context The remarks come as the US and Israel have continued attacks on Iran since Feb. 28, killing over 1,350 people according to Iranian authorities. Israel expanded its military operations in Lebanon on March 2 with airstrikes and a ground incursion. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue daily violations of the ceasefire in place since Oct. 10, 2025, killing 689 Palestinians and wounding 1,860 others since then.