Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett’s submission in the country key policies has questioned his administration’s authority. Israeli Defense minister and the US president are among the challengers.
Naftali Bennett rejected an offer to meet with Palestinian Authority President in the mid-August. Benny Gantz, Israeli Defense minister was the official behind the request. The PM’s decision disturbed Gantz, who deemed it as a necessary meeting. He also highly believed that as an acceptable Israeli politician, considering Bennett’s extreme tendency to the right, he could lead the country to major achievements.
Like his predecessor, the new prime minister rejects restarting the Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. He has provided no explanation for dismissing Gantz’s proposal. In his governing coalition, however, left and moderate lawmakers argue against Bennett’s approach. They believe that restoring official contacts with the PA and recognizing the authority secures the Israeli interests in the long term.
Gantz disclosed days later that he had conducted two different talks with Abbas. The first meeting, reportedly, involved top authorities in public affairs section and in the second meeting, simply Gantz and Abbas discussed matters. The meeting signaled a Bennett’s submission to some policies adopted in a coalition government.
Gantz also visited Ramallah, which is Abbas’ headquarter region. Security, diplomacy, economy, and public matters were among the subjects of discussion.
Gantz is said to have informed Abbas that Israel is preparing for a series of steps that will improve the PA economy. He promised the PA a $155-million loan, which would be returned from monthly tax receipts.
Bennett appears to have discontents with discussions with Abbas, but he was unable to stop it. He had no choice but to let it go. This occurred as a result of the military lobby forcing its agenda on the administration leading to Bennett’s submission.
How Biden Forced Bennett’s Submission
Gantz’s meeting with Abbas narrowly followed Bennett’s visit to Washington and a first meeting with Joe Biden. Reports confirm that improving the life of Palestinians was among the main agenda of US president at the meeting.
To avoid imposing humiliation on Bennett and denigrating his policies, Biden decided to talk about Palestinian mattes behind closed doors. Bennett, who backs the removal of Palestinian people from Jerusalem, was reportedly urged by Biden to take actual steps to stop Sheikh Jarrah eviction program.
Biden stressed on “the importance of refraining from actions that could exacerbate tensions, contribute to a sense of unfairness, and undermine efforts to build trust,” an Israeli journalist believes.
The US president also authorized the reopening of the Washington Consulate in East Jerusalem. The Israeli prime minister requested US leader to avoid public announcement of the directives in a begging way. He called for the procrastination the consulate move until after the local parliament passes the budget. The budget crisis can turn into an Achilles heel for the coalition government, as was the case with Netanyahu administration.
The Israeli prime minister does not have the power to pursue his program and just follows Biden’s directives. The Jerusalem consulate is one among many other issues that proves government of Bennett’s submission to policies outside the administration. That questions the authority, primacy, and commitment of Bennett as the prime minister of Israel. He appears to have embraced the fact that he will be nothing more than a surrogate operating other figure or parties’ policies.
Part of Bennett’s submission refers back to the constitution according to which a budget crisis may lead to an abrupt collapse of the government. Bennett knows that parliament’s dissatisfaction may overthrow his office less than a year he succeeded an 11-year sovereignty.
