Former Israeli PM Urges U.S. Support, Addresses Concerns and Antisemitism

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed concern over reports of the Biden administration potentially conditioning ammunition support on Israeli actions in Gaza, fearing it could weaken the fight against radical Islam. He also shed light on ongoing antisemitic behavior in American universities, emphasizing Israel's democratic principles amid calls for regime change by U.S. leaders.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has expressed concerns about reports that the Biden administration is considering conditioning ammunition support for Israel on its actions in Gaza, arguing that such a move could weaken the fight against radical Islam.

In an interview with Fox News host Trey Gowdy on "Sunday Night in America," Bennett stressed that Israel is at the forefront of the fight against radical Islam, not only in Gaza but also in Europe and American campuses. He expressed hope that the rumors of potential ammunition restrictions were not true.

"What we expect is that our friends have our back," Bennett said. "We're fighting not only Israel's war, we're fighting the war against radical Islam."

Bennett also addressed recent comments by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for regime change in Israel. He highlighted the importance of Israel's democratic processes, contrasting it with non-democratic regimes like Iran.

"Israel is a vibrant democracy, and domestically, within Israel we voice our opposition, voice our support. Everyone voices whatever they want. And it's the Israeli public's business to choose their leaders. Israel is a democracy," Bennett said.

He emphasized that regime change should be considered only in countries like Iran that lack democratic principles.

Bennett further expressed concern about antisemitic behavior on American college campuses, expressing hope that such actions stem from naivety rather than malice. He urged college students to understand the importance of Israel as the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.

"I would hope that it's a naivete of these college students," Bennett said. "They are so much on the wrong side. And I guess in a few years, when they grow up, they'll – some of them at least – will realize how stupid it was, what they're doing, because they're fighting against the only democracy, liberal democracy in the Middle East."

Bennett concluded by emphasizing Israel's commitment to defending itself and its people and expressed confidence that Israel will continue to push back against Hamas, which he described as dedicated to annihilating Israel.