Another Upheaval in Bennett’s Office, as Spokesman Quits

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office experienced another upheaval on Monday when his spokesman Matan Sidi announced the end of his term, the fourth departure of a senior aide from Bennett’s team within a month.

Sidi served since the formation of the government about a year ago as head of the communications department at the Prime Minister’s Office and as Bennett’s personal communications adviser.

Prior to that, Sidi was for about five years Bennett’s advisor in previous offices. He will be succeeded by the Prime Minister’s political spokesman, Yotam Ben Yitzchak.

Last week, Bennett’s personal assistant Naomi Sasson announced her resignation.

Bennett’s office sustained another significant blow last month when his chief of staff, Tal Gan-Zvi, announced he was leaving his post.

Gan-Zvi has been with Bennett for close to a decade, since 2013, and is considered one of his closest aides and confidants. An individual with right-wing beliefs, he was apparently not happy with Bennett’s apparent sharp turn to the left.

This dramatic development occurred just weeks after Shimrit Meir, Bennett’s top diplomatic adviser, resigned, reportedly over political differences.

Bennett’s Yemina Party spokesman Oved Perl was the first to leave on May 12.

Three of Bennett’s former party members, MKs Amichai Chikli and Idit Silman, and former MK Yomtob Kalfon, no longer support him.

Bennett, who has been in power for less than a year, has been facing repeated upheavals within his staff, party, and coalition, and most analysts estimate that it’s only a question of time before his government falls.