Former Netanyahu confidant Lauder breaks silence, warns against PM’s reelection

Ronald Lauder, former confidant of Benjamin Netanyahu and head of the World Jewish Congress, warned Israelis against reelecting the premier in an interview with Haaretz. Lauder accused Netanyahu of being a dictator and blamed Ben Gvir and Smotrich for damaging Israel's image. He said he would vote for Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot if forced.

Ronald Lauder, a longtime confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and current head of the World Jewish Congress, warned Israelis against reelecting the premier in an interview with Haaretz published Friday. Lauder accused Netanyahu of being 'a dictator — a one-person show' and said Israel under his leadership feels 'more like a banana republic.' He also blamed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for damaging Israel's image, saying 'If Ben Gvir and Smotrich's parties play any role in government in the future, Israel is doomed.' Lauder said he would not vote because he is 'so disgusted with the system,' but would pick Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot if forced. He detailed secret negotiations with Syria in the late 1990s, claiming Netanyahu agreed to withdraw from the Golan Heights but later torpedoed the deal. Lauder said he has sold or donated all his properties in Israel and has 'no intention of going back.' The framing relies on a single source's account without response from Netanyahu.