Naftali Bennett: Iran regime change will start when Israel has new government

Multiple Israeli political leaders are rejecting or criticizing a US-Iran ceasefire agreement signed by President Donald Trump. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated Iranian regime change will only begin after a change in the Israeli government, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted Israel is not bound by the US deal.

Why is the Trump-Iran agreement causing division in Israel?

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on X that Israel is an independent and sovereign nation not subject to the United States. He said the agreement does not ensure Israeli security and does not bind the country in any way.

Yair Golan, leader of The Democrats, described the deal as a “strategic failure” that funnels billions to the Iranian regime. Golan claimed the agreement preserves ballistic threats and nuclear infrastructure, calling the replacement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an “existential security imperative.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated the agreement is “bad for Israel and for the entire free world.” Smotrich suggested Israel may need to continue its own war against Iran to ensure the regime does not acquire nuclear weapons.

Did You Know? Naftali Bennett’s proposed “Octopus Doctrine” aims to simultaneously prevent Iran from going nuclear while using military, technological, economic, and political tools to accelerate the regime’s collapse.

What security changes has Naftali Bennett proposed?

Speaking at an election event in Haifa on June 2, 2026, Naftali Bennett said the current leadership is a disappointment. He stated the Netanyahu government’s term began with civil war, continued with the October 7 massacre, and is ending with a “historic failure” against Iran.

Bennett proposed implementing mandatory conscription for all citizens and stopping the financing of evasion. He argued this is necessary to provide the IDF with the tens of thousands of soldiers it currently lacks.

According to Bennett, a lack of soldiers forces the military to conquer the same points repeatedly. He claimed these changes could restore security to Israel.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension between Ben-Gvir’s insistence on total sovereignty and the US-led diplomatic framework highlights a growing rift in how Israel may balance its strategic alliance with the US against its own immediate security requirements.

How will the IDF handle security zones moving forward?

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that he and Netanyahu are outlining a policy where the IDF remains in security zones in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon indefinitely. Katz described the seizure of this territory as one of the IDF’s “greatest achievements.”

Iran News: Naftali Bennett: Israel Aims to Stop Iran Nukes, Not Enforce Regime Change

Katz promised that all terror infrastructure would be destroyed and that Israel would not compromise on security. Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party, added that it is “forbidden” to agree to withdrawals that endanger northern residents or restrict freedom of action in Lebanon.

Conversely, former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot characterized the government’s performance as a failure. He stated that a government operating without strategy has lost the trust of its allies and the public.

What may happen next in Israeli politics?

The current friction could lead to increased pressure for a change in government. Naftali Bennett and Yair Golan have both suggested that replacing the current leadership is necessary for national security.

Israel may continue to conduct independent military operations against Iran regardless of the US agreement. This is likely if leaders like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich successfully push for the dismantling of Hezbollah and the prevention of Iranian nuclear capabilities.

MK Miki Zohar suggested the bond between Trump and Netanyahu will grow stronger. He indicated that further surprises could emerge before the upcoming elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Israel consider itself bound by the US-Iran ceasefire agreement?
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that Israel is a sovereign nation and is not bound by President Trump’s agreement.

What is the “Octopus Doctrine” mentioned by Naftali Bennett?
It is a strategy to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons while simultaneously accelerating the collapse of the regime through military, political, economic, and technological tools.

Where does the IDF plan to maintain its presence?
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the IDF will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely to protect Israeli communities and borders.

Do you believe a change in government is the primary requirement for shifting the strategy toward Iran?