Former prime minister Naftali Bennett on Wednesday said that should he become prime minister again, he will “without a doubt” dismiss officials who he deems serve political interests rather than those of the country, as he conducted his first series of television interviews since his political union with Opposition Leader Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid this week.

Bennett said in a Channel 12 news interview that officials will be examined “not on the intentions [of their appointment] but on their performance, what they are doing” in their positions.

The interviews he gave to other major TV networks were aired simultaneously.

Without naming any names, Bennett added that he has seen “crazy things” in the Israel Police. “They’re becoming political,” he said. “I suggest now and say to all the police leadership and every government employee, you are now under my scrutiny.”

Bennett was likely referencing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has exerted significant policy influence over the police force, which is under his ministry’s oversight. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and several petitioners have argued to the High Court that the ultranationalist politician has overstepped his authority and undermined law enforcement’s independence.

Bennett may have also been referring to the controversial appointments of several top officials, including Shin Bet chief David Zini, who has faced criticism for allegedly politicizing the security agency, as well as Israel Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, a close Ben Gvir ally who is reportedly set to be indicted for breach of trust and obstructing an investigation.

“Wherever I see places of political exploitation of the role and un-statesmanlike work, of course I’ll cut [them loose],” Bennett said Wednesday.

Commenting on his recent........

© The Times of Israel