Report: Bennett May Quit Gov’t After Election

Naftali Bennett is considering resigning as alternate prime minister immediately after the elections, potentially leaving Prime Minister Yair Lapid in full control of the interim government, according to reports.

Channel 12 and Channel 13 reported that Bennett, who is not running for re-election, is looking to step down even before a new government is sworn in.

Channel 12 reported that the reasoning behind the move was a legal opinion Bennett received saying that since he will no longer be a member of the Knesset after the election, he can no longer serve in the role of alternate Prime Minister.

But Channel 12 also said Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara was reviewing the matter and tended toward ruling that Bennett could remain in the role.

Analysts have speculated that Bennett is also eager to depart the role amid growing discomfort with Lapid’s policies.

Under Bennett and Lapid’s power-sharing agreement, the alternate prime minister wields veto power over the premier’s decision. His departure could leave the right-wing flank of the government without veto power, awarding Lapid greater control of the caretaker government so long as a new one is not inaugurated.

Bennett’s office was non-committal, saying he “will serve as alternate prime minister until the elections, at which point he will decide on his future in accordance with the circumstances.”

As part of his break from politics, Bennett also resigned as head of Yamina and handed the party to Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked. She has since largely dismantled the party and is now helming a campaign for the Jewish Home party.

Shaked called for the veto to go to her if Bennett resigns and no government is formed “so as not to leave the government in the left’s hands.”

“The minister considers it of the utmost importance to preserve the veto,” her office said.

It was not clear whether such a transfer of powers could be legally carried out.

Notably, Shaked is also in danger of finding herself outside the Knesset after the election, with her party consistently polling below the electoral threshold.