In a shocking move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to fire Defense Minister Naftali Bennett and Education Minister Rafi Peretz, both of whom belong to the right-wing party Yamina. This decision comes as a surprise, as Bennett and Peretz were seen as key allies of Netanyahu in his efforts to maintain power in the upcoming elections.
By firing Bennett and Peretz, Netanyahu is removing a potential threat to his leadership within his own party. Both ministers have been vocal critics of Netanyahu and have expressed their desire to challenge him for the leadership of the party. By removing them from their positions, Netanyahu is effectively eliminating their ability to challenge him from within the party.
However, by firing Bennett and Peretz, Netanyahu is also risking alienating a significant portion of his base. The two ministers are popular among the right-wing voters in Israel, and their removal from the government could lead to backlash from these supporters. This could potentially weaken Netanyahu’s standing in the upcoming elections and make it more difficult for him to maintain his grip on power.
Additionally, by removing Bennett and Peretz, Netanyahu is also losing two experienced and capable ministers who have been instrumental in shaping Israeli policy in recent years. Bennett, in particular, has been a key figure in the government’s efforts to combat terrorism and secure Israel’s borders. Their absence could leave a significant void in the government’s decision-making process and weaken Israel’s position on the world stage.
Overall, Netanyahu’s decision to fire Bennett and Peretz is a risky move that could have far-reaching consequences for both his own leadership and for Israel as a whole. While it may temporarily eliminate a threat to his power, it also risks alienating a significant portion of his base and weakening the government’s ability to effectively govern. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for Netanyahu, or if it ultimately backfires and leads to his downfall.