Bennett vows that nobody will be ‘allowed to postpone or disrupt’ 2026 election

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett vowed on Sunday that the government will not be allowed to delay the next election, citing fears by some that the coalition will seek ways to prevent a vote being held.

Bennett published on social media a “special announcement to those with public service positions and law enforcement,” in which he urged officials to resist any pressure on them to “bend the law.”

Coalition ministers in response panned Bennett as fabricating allegations regarding the security services, and assured that elections would be held as required by October 2026.

Bennett, who is planning a political comeback, wrote online: “Countless people have asked me if the elections will even be held,” referring to allegations by some that the current government could try to put off the vote by citing the ongoing fighting against Hamas in Gaza as justification.

“Let me be clear: No one will be allowed to postpone or disrupt the election,” he wrote.

“We’re on this one,” he declared. “Postponement of elections can only occur with a majority of 80 members of the Knesset, and there is no such [majority].”

Bennett went on to say that he was addressing “all the heads of the security systems, police officers, public servants, judges, members of the election committee: Continue to protect the law and the state.”

He said he is aware of “the enormous pressure system that is put on you,” but did not give any specific details.

“It’s not easy, but don’t agree to break the law or bend the rules because of political pressure,” Bennett urged. “You will not forgive yourself for straying from the law; you are responsible for your actions.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded that Bennett is “disconnected” from any security affairs and is “a fabricator [of allegations].”

“Enough of using the sacredness of the security establishment for cheap political goals,” Katz said.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi accused Bennett of being a “swindler who thinks everyone is a swindler,” while declaring that “the elections will be held on time.”

Israel is battling a grinding war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip that was triggered on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian terror group led a devastating invasion of southern Israel that killed 1,200 people.

Bennett, a former right-wing ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, broke with him in 2021 and briefly unseated him, serving as prime minister for about a year.

Ahead of elections scheduled for next year, he has registered a political party under the provisional name Bennett 2026, which polls show would compete with Netanyahu’s Likud to be the largest in the Knesset.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.