Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have joined forces to create a single political party, aiming to challenge Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in elections scheduled for later this year.
On Sunday, Bennett, a right-wing leader, and Lapid, a centrist, announced the merger of their respective parties—Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid—into one unified slate called “Together, Led by Bennett.” They said the move is intended to strengthen the opposition and boost its chances in the upcoming election, which must take place by the end of October.
RT reports: Bennett told reporters that joining forces was “the most Zionist and patriotic act we have ever done, for the sake of our country,” adding that “the era of division is over.” Lapid said: “We are standing here together for the sake of our children. The State of Israel must change direction.”
BYPASS THE CENSORS
Sign up to get unfiltered news delivered straight to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe any time. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use
Widely seen as Netanyahu’s most formidable political rivals, the two have joined forces before, ending his 12-year tenure after the 2021 election by forming the short-lived “government of change,” a coalition spanning right-wing, centrist and left-wing parties.
Iran Release Proof Mossad and Erika Kirk Planned 'False Flag' Trump Shooting
That alliance included the Arab party Ra’am, led by Mansour Abbas, marking the first time a party representing Israel’s Palestinian minority joined a governing coalition. Netanyahu returned to power after winning the November 2022 election.
The new partnership will run as a unified list without formally merging their parties, and both have said they would seek to form a government only with Zionist opposition parties, excluding Arab factions. Bennett also said his government would advance a universal conscription law, halt funding for draft evasion, and introduce an eight-year term limit for a prime minister.
A recent Maariv poll showed Bennett’s party tied with Netanyahu’s Likud at 24 Knesset seats, while Yesh Atid has been polling at around six to seven seats.
Netanyahu’s tenure has come under strain since Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza following a Hamas attack in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. More than 72,000 people have been killed and over 172,000 wounded in Israel’s airstrikes and ground offensive, according to Palestinian health authorities. Polls have indicated Netanyahu may lose the next election.
The International Criminal Court issued warrants for Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
At home, Netanyahu is facing a long-running corruption trial. Charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three cases, he denies wrongdoing, calling the case a political witch hunt. The trial resumed this week after a pause during the Iran war, with no resolution in sight. President Isaac Herzog has indicated that any pardon would only be considered after plea deal efforts are exhausted.
