Bennett Rejects a Palestinian State Ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 Election

He added that he will not cede any Israeli territory. Bennett framed his campaign around sweeping reforms, including integrating the ultra-Orthodox (Haredim) into the civilian workforce and overha­ing the state’s leadership structures.

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A poll conducted by the Israeli newspaper Maariv shows the right-wing Likud party falling to 20 seats. The centrist Yashar party, led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, surged to a record 23 seats, while Bennett’s Together party sits at 17 seats. These figures set the stage for the 27 October general election, widely described as a pivotal contest that could end Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-standing tenure.

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The two-state solution remains a focal point of the Abraham Accords, the series of normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states. Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. partner in the region, has not yet joined the accords. Eisenkot, who previously advocated closer Israeli-Saudi ties to counter Iran, publicly echoes Bennett’s refusal to create a Palestinian state. Both politicians argue that conceding territory would undermine Israel’s security and demographic balance.

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He also criticised the former coalition with centrist Yair Lapid, suggesting it failed to address core national issues. The interview’s presenter accused Bennett of “dodging every question” about a Palestinian state, underscoring the contentious nature of his stance.

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• “I am not giving up territory, period,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister

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• “I am the most suitable person to lead the historical correction that needs to be made here in the State of Israel,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister

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