Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett claimed former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened him in a series of interviews released Thursday.

Bennett and Netanyahu held a series of meetings in May of last year to attempt to establish a right-wing coalition.

Netanyahu reportedly demanded Bennett approve another election cycle; which Bennett didn't agree with, Israeli media reported.

'When he realized that I didn’t intend to let him drag Israel into a fifth election, he really threatened me,' Bennett said in an interview with Haaretz.

Quoting Netanyahu, Bennett said, ''Listen,' he said to me, 'if I understand correctly what you’re going to do, you should know that I am going to employ my entire machine, the army against you,'' according to Haaretz.

Bennett also spoke of Netanyahu's corruption cases, stating he is in favor of a plea deal.

'I would not like to see Netanyahu in jail, in a prisoner's uniform,' he said to Haaretz.

'That is not an image that would bring honor to him or the country's citizens.' In a separate interview with Ynet, Bennett said he knew of the criticism surrounding him.

'Seven months ago, when I decided to form this government, I knew I was going to be crushed like no one was crushed,' the Israeli prime minister said to Ynet.

'I did not know if I would be able to form the government, but I formed it.

It was the hardest and bravest decision I have ever made in my life.

It takes greater courage than in the military.'