Naftali Bennett

Naftali Bennett has transitioned from a successful high-tech entrepreneur to a prominent Israeli politician, including serving as Prime Minister. After co-founding Cyota, an anti-fraud software company, in 1999 and serving as its CEO, Naftali Bennett successfully oversaw its acquisition by RSA Security for $145 million in 2005. This followed his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1990, where he served in elite commando units Sayeret Matkal and Maglan, participating in Operation Grapes of Wrath and the 2006 Lebanon War, before earning a law degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Bennett further solidified his entrepreneurial reputation as CEO of Soluto, an Israeli cloud computing service, which was sold to Asurion for $100–130 million in 2013.

Bennett transitioned to public service, initially as chief of staff for Benjamin Netanyahu from 2006 to 2008. He was appointed Director General of the Yesha Council in 2010 and subsequently co-founded the ‘My Israel’ movement in 2011, followed by the Yisraelim movement in 2012. In 2012, he was elected leader of the Jewish Home party, which he led to a significant 12-seat victory in the 2013 Knesset election. During this period, he held several cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Economy, Minister of Religious Services, and Minister of Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs from 2013.

Following his departure from the prime minister’s office, Bennett briefly retired from politics, joining the board of directors of Quantom Source in 2023. However, in April 2025, he registered a new political party, ‘Bennett 2026,’ signaling a potential return to the political arena. His announced aims include establishing a centrist Zionist unity government, restoring security through an active security concept, establishing a constitution, and implementing prime ministerial term limits, reflecting his ongoing dedication to shaping Israel’s future.