Israeli Bill Could Freeze Bennett’s Comeback Bid
A bill making waves in the Israeli Knesset is raising eyebrows—and accusations of political targeting. In his report for The Media Line, Gabriel Colodro explains that the proposed legislation would block party leaders from launching new factions unless they first repay debts left behind by their former parties. Though framed as a commonsense accountability move, critics argue it’s aimed squarely at former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Submitted by Likud lawmaker Avichay Buaron, the bill would freeze public funding for new parties led by individuals deemed responsible for financial mismanagement, forcing them to use incoming campaign funds to cover old debts. Buaron claims the law is about fairness: “You can’t come back asking for public trust when you haven’t fulfilled your previous obligations.”
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But experts like Assaf Shapira from the Israel Democracy Institute aren’t buying it. “Everyone understands it is primarily directed at one individual,” he said. Shapira also warns the law is retroactive and could severely limit Bennett’s ability to run a viable campaign—essentially freezing all initial funding.
Adding fuel to the fire, Shapira points out that Likud itself owes far more than Bennett’s now-defunct Yamina party ever did. “Why target the small, defunct parties and ignore the elephant in the room?” he asked.
Buaron insists he acted alone and that the bill isn’t personal. Still, with Bennett rumored to be eyeing a comeback, the timing is hard to ignore.
For a deeper look at what this means for Israeli democracy and Bennett’s political future, read the full article by Gabriel Colodro.
