Former PM Bennett hospitalized overnight, undergoes cardiac catheterization

By Sam Sokol 20 April 2025, 10:54 am

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Sam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and former prime minister Naftali Bennett (right) attend the funeral of Rabbi Haim Drukman, at Merkaz Shapira, near Kiryat Malachi, on December 26, 2022. (Gil Cohen-Magen/ AFP)

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett was hospitalized overnight in Kfar Saba after feeling unwell, according to Meir Medical Center.

Per the central Israel hospital’s statement, Bennett underwent cardiac catheterization.

In a separate statement, a spokesperson for Bennett says that he was admitted following a workout and is in good condition. The statement adds that Bennett will remain at the medical center for continued monitoring and treatment.

Earlier this month, Bennett, who is widely believed to be preparing to run in the next national election, announced the registration of a new political party under the temporary name “Bennett 2026.”

Bennett, who led the now-defunct right-wing Yamina party, has been out of office since the 2022 collapse of his diverse coalition government, which in 2021 ousted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the premiership after 12 consecutive years during which Israel underwent unprecedented political turmoil, including four national elections in three years.

Polling has shown Bennett pulling ahead of Netanyahu, should he run.