In June, I attended a campaign event in Jerusalem featuring former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. As Israel’s October 27 national elections approach amid ongoing security challenges, political division, and economic pressures, the gathering highlighted the growing intensity of the race. Organized in English for the Anglo community, the well-structured evening included heavy security, and a looping TV interview with English subtitles showcasing Bennett speaking extemporaneously and engaging in thoughtful dialogue.

Bennett’s presentation was personable, interactive, and often spontaneous, especially during the lively Q&A session. Though he used a teleprompter to stay on message, his delivery felt authentic. As a native Hebrew speaker whose English carries the natural cadence of someone raised in a bilingual home, his fluency stood out, a notable asset in a campaign where competent English has itself become an issue. He diagnosed Israel’s core problems: internal fragmentation, economic burdens, security vulnerabilities, and educational disparities. While light on implementation details, his vision was clear, optimistic, and rooted in practical experience. It’s up to the voters to assess whether these issues are the primary issues, and if Bennett can deliver.

Bennett, who previously served as Minister of Education, Defense, and Israel’s 13th Prime Minister, is now leading the Beyachad party, an alliance with former Prime Minister and his former coalition partner Yair Lapid. This partnership recreates their earlier collaboration that achieved a surprise victory, while also qualifying them for state campaign funding. That’s no small thing where several or more other new parties are emerging and compete for votes but will not have state funding. Bennett’s remarks draw from his diverse background as a successful tech entrepreneur, IDF commander, and public servant to position himself as a pragmatic Zionist leader capable of delivering results.

He opened by sharing his personal family story. The son of American immigrants who arrived in Haifa shortly after the 1967 Six-Day War,........

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