With the Israeli elections approaching and concerns mounting over potential disruptions, fraud or even cancellation, Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a public statement on Sunday.
"Countless people have asked me whether elections will even take place," Bennett wrote. "Let me be clear: we will not allow anyone to delay or disrupt them. We are on top of this. Elections can only be postponed with the approval of 80 Knesset members, and there is no such majority."
Turning to security chiefs, police officers, public servants, judges and members of the Central Elections Committee, Bennett said: "Continue to safeguard the law and the state. I am aware of the immense pressure being exerted on you. It is not easy, but do not agree to break the law or bend the rules because of political pressure. You will not forgive yourselves for deviating from the law; you bear responsibility for your actions. There is a tomorrow. Do not be afraid. This government will soon be replaced."
Bennett went on to accuse the government of corruption and misconduct: "The harmful norms that have seeped into public institutions – such as allowing enemy state agents to operate from the prime minister's office, ministers receiving bribes, or political and criminal fixers intervening in the promotion of senior army and police officers – will be uprooted at the root. The country will soon return to a healthy path of professional governance, renewal and growth."
Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Bennett's remarks, saying: "Bennett declares he is aware of pressure on the security establishment to prevent the elections. Just as he was 'aware' of the plan to strike Iran, which he opposed only days before it was carried out."
