Matt Gaetz Slams 'Bibi Hatred' of Bennett Coalition, Predicts Netanyahu Return

Republican Florida Representative Matt Gaetz has expressed his support for ousted Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Likud leader will be back leading government after the next election.

"Bibi is not done. He will lead the opposition & be back leading the Goverment after the next election," the Trump ally said on Twitter.

"The Bennet coalition uses Bibi hatred as it's sole organizing principle. This is why they will accelerate criminal process against Bibi in the short term. Sound familiar?"

Gaetz appears to be making a comparison with Donald Trump, who lost the U.S. election last November, but has not ruled out running again for leadership in 2024.

Netanyahu led Israel for 12 years, making him the country's longest-serving prime minister. He lost power on Sunday night after the Knesset approved a new coalition government, which brings together eight parties across the political spectrum, including an Arab party. The new government will see far-right Naftali Bennett lead Israel for two years, before centrist Yair Lapid takes over.

The former premier vowed that the Israeli opposition would have "a strong and clear voice" if he lost power. But he has been mired in controversy and charged with corruption, and has already failed to form a long-lasting government after four elections in just two years.

"This is a holiday for the press but a difficult day for millions of citizens of Israel," Netanyahu, who leads the right-wing Likud party, told reporters, according to The Jerusalem Post. "I ask you not to lose your spirits. We will come back."

Bennett, who leads the right-wing Yamina party, struck a unified tone at the beginning of his speech ahead of parliament's confidence vote, thanking Netanyahu for his leadership.

U.S. President Joe Biden was quick to congratulate Bennett and the new government.

"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Bennett to strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations," the president said.

However, Netanyahu's Likud remains the largest party in the Knesset, and the new coalition was only approved by a 60-to-59 vote—a wafer-thin margin.

Like Netanyahu, Rep. Gaetz is facing controversy of his own—the FBI is investigating him over sex-trafficking allegations. The Department of Justice is looking at claims he engaged in a sexual relationship with an underage girl and paid for her to travel with him. The Florida congressman hasn't been charged and denies all the allegations.