Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has expressed concerns over reports that the Biden administration is considering conditioning ammunition support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Bennett emphasized Israel's role in fighting against radical Islam and urged the U.S. to continue supporting Israel's efforts.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has expressed serious concerns over reports that the Biden administration is considering conditioning ammunition support for Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict. During an interview on "Sunday Night in America," Bennett emphasized Israel's crucial role as the frontline against radical Islam and urged the U.S. to maintain its support.
"I hope it's not true," Bennett said, referring to rumors of the ammunition support being linked to Israel's actions in Gaza. "We're fighting not only Israel's war, we're at the forefront fighting the war against radical Islam."
Bennett highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Hamas, a militant group dedicated to the destruction of Israel. He emphasized that Israel has no choice but to take action against Hamas, which holds innocent civilians hostage and continues to launch attacks on Israeli territory.
"Hamas is dedicated to destroying and annihilating Israel," Bennett said. "They say it explicitly and continue trying to kill Jews as long as they exist and are on our border. We really have no choice."
The former Prime Minister also addressed concerns about anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitic behavior on college campuses in the United States. He expressed hope that such actions stem from naivety rather than malice and urged students to reconsider their approach.
"I would hope that it's a naivete of these college students," Bennett said. "They are so much on the wrong side. I guess in a few years, when they grow up, they'll realize how stupid it was what they're doing."
Bennett emphasized the importance of Israel's democratic processes and the need for the Israeli public to choose its own leaders, contrasting it with non-democratic regimes in the Middle East. He rejected calls by some U.S. politicians for regime change in Israel, arguing that Israel's vibrant democracy sets it apart from other countries in the region.
"Israel is a vibrant democracy," Bennett said. "We voice our opposition, voice our support. Everyone voices whatever they want. It's the Israeli public's business to choose their leaders."
Bennett expressed disappointment over the Biden administration's decision to delay a shipment of ammunition to Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza. He stressed that Israel expects its friends and allies to have their back and support its efforts to defend itself against terrorism.
"What we expect is that our friends have our back," Bennett said. "We're doing the fighting, and we know it's our task to do it."
Bennett concluded by reiterating Israel's commitment to fighting radical Islam and protecting its citizens. He called on the U.S. to continue providing support for Israel's efforts and to condemn antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment.
