'Diplomatic emergency': Bennett presents plan for restoring Israel's position in US, Middle East

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 21:34Former prime minister and chairman of the B'Yachad party Naftali Bennett presented the main points of his foreign policy platform ahead of the elections on Thursday, placing the restoration of Israel's standing among the American public, stronger ties with Washington, and Israel's return as a central player in the Middle East at the heart of his plan."We have an organized plan of action to restore Israel's standing among US citizens," Bennett said, describing ties with the United States as "a decisive factor in our ability to win on the battlefield and especially in the diplomatic arena."He praised US President Donald Trump but criticized the government. "President Trump is the most supportive president we could have asked for, but currently he has no partner on the Israeli side for achieving diplomatic victories. In our government, he will have a partner for achievements, not a politician who puts obstacles in his way."Bennett described Israel's situation as a "diplomatic emergency.""Three years after October 7, the IDF is winning on the battlefield, but victory has not been achieved," he said.Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett attends a joint election campaign event with former Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid of their joint party on August 20, 2026 in Ramat Hasharon, Israel. (credit: GILI YAARI/FLASH90)He argued that decisions concerning Israel's future are currently being made outside Jerusalem and that "foreign leaders are making decisions about our future, hostile countries are shaping our borders."Bennett said that if he forms the next government, he would declare a "diplomatic emergency" and work to restore Israel's standing.Israel will return to 'octopus strategy' in Iran, Bennett pledgesOn Iran, Bennett pledged to return to the policy he previously called the "octopus strategy," under which Israel exacts a price directly from Iran rather than limiting itself to striking Tehran's proxies across the region."We will continue the octopus strategy of exacting a direct price from Iran, and we will renew the plan to weaken the regime, which I initiated as prime minister and which was halted under the current government," he said.Regarding Gaza, Bennett said a government under his leadership would work to complete the disarmament of Hamas. He said Qatar and Turkey should be removed from the regional framework because, in his view, they "want what is best for Hamas," and should be replaced by Egypt and other countries interested in disarming the terrorist organization."We will complete the mission in Gaza in which the outgoing government failed and bring about the dismantling of Hamas," he declared.On the northern front, Bennett proposed combining economic and diplomatic pressure on Hezbollah with continued Israeli control of the security zone as long as the terrorist organization remains armed."We will take advantage of the unique window of opportunity that has opened to secure significant achievements on the northern front," he said.Regarding Syria, Bennett added that Israel should work to reach security agreements that, he said, would also help distance Turkey from the area and secure recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.Bennett also presented a plan to integrate Israel into regional economic initiatives."A new Middle East is taking shape before our eyes, but instead of Israel being at the forefront, it is happening over our heads," he said.Bennett said the goal was to transform Israel from "a pariah state into a country through which everything passes," in part through projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which he said could bring hundreds of billions of dollars into Israel and strengthen its strategic standing.Bennett: Netanyahu allowing possibility of Saudi nuclear developmentOn Saudi Arabia, Bennett set a red line regarding civilian nuclear development."In the next government, we will prevent, through diplomatic action, uranium enrichment on Saudi soil, which could lead to a dangerous nuclear arms race in our region," he said.He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that Netanyahu was allowing such a possibility "even without a commitment to normalization."Bennett also addressed the crisis in Israel's relations with Europe and said that he and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid were already working with European governments in an effort to delay measures against Israel. According to Bennett, some countries were prepared to postpone decisions until after the Israeli elections.Finally, Bennett linked the restoration of Israel's international standing to changes he believes are required within the country."External diplomatic power is based first and foremost on internal strength," he said.He criticized Netanyahu over remarks the prime minister made this week, which Bennett described as a "blood libel," and concluded: "To carry out a diplomatic renaissance, we need to begin with an internal renaissance."Follow us on Google