Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday pushed back against criticism from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over comments regarding illegal construction in Yehuda and Shomron, insisting that his ideological positions have not changed.

The controversy erupted after excerpts from an interview Bennett gave to Kan News’ “HaManganon” podcast were published, prompting attacks from Smotrich and other right-wing figures. Speaking at a press conference outlining his plans for a future government, Bennett reiterated that he remains opposed to a Palestinian state and supports legal Jewish construction in Area C.

“I am against a Palestinian state, against giving up territory, and in favor of legal construction in Area C,” Bennett said. “Like every government, where there is illegal construction or building on private land, of course it should be removed.”

Addressing Smotrich directly, Bennett said: “Smotrich, what are you talking about? You removed 107 illegal outposts yourself, and rightly so. There is a law, and there is private property. If someone comes and builds a house on land that doesn’t belong to him, is that okay? Of course not.”

Speaking separately at the JNS Conference, Bennett emphasized that he remains firmly on the political right.

“My ideological views regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are clear,” he said. “I am a right-wing person. I have not changed my views, but I am not extreme and I am not irresponsible.”

According to Bennett, being right-wing means protecting Israel’s national interests, opposing territorial concessions, and rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state. “But it does not mean being foolish,” he added.

Bennett’s remarks followed comments in the podcast interview in which he said he would act against illegal construction in Yehuda and Shomron. He distinguished between legal building in Area C on state land and construction carried out illegally or on privately owned land.

“Legal construction in Area C on state land that is not privately owned Palestinian land is welcome,” Bennett said. “Construction that is illegal, outside Area C, or on private land is not legitimate.”

Drawing a comparison to his own hometown, Bennett added: “I live in Ra’anana. I would not allow someone to suddenly build a house on land that belongs to me. What is illegal will not remain.”

He reiterated his support for legal settlement construction in Area C, saying he believes the area will ultimately become part of the State of Israel, while Areas A and B would remain under Palestinian autonomy.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)