Former Israeli PMs Form Unified Opposition Ahead of Election

(SeaPRwire) –   Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have combined their parties ahead of elections planned for later this year

In a move to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in upcoming elections, former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have established a joint party.

On Sunday, the right-wing Bennett and centrist Lapid announced the combination of their parties, Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid, into a unified slate called ‘Together, Led by Bennett’. They characterized the move as an attempt to strengthen the opposition and boost its prospects in the vote, which is scheduled to occur by the end of October.

Bennett stated to reporters that uniting was “the most Zionist and patriotic act we have ever done, for the sake of our country,” further saying that “the era of division is over.” Lapid commented: “We are standing here together for the sake of our children. The State of Israel must change direction.”

Considered Netanyahu’s most significant rivals, the pair have previously collaborated, forming the brief “government of change” after the 2021 election, which ended his 12-year rule. This was a coalition that included right-wing, centrist, and left-wing parties.

That government was historically comprised of the Arab party Ra’am, under Mansour Abbas, marking the first inclusion of a party representing Israel’s Palestinian minority in a ruling coalition. Netanyahu regained the premiership following his victory in the November 2022 election.

The new alliance will campaign as a joint list without a full merger of their parties, and both leaders stated they would aim to create a government exclusively with Zionist opposition parties, ruling out Arab factions. Bennett also announced that his government would pursue a universal military draft law, stop funding for those avoiding conscription, and establish an eight-year limit for a prime minister’s term.

A recent Maariv poll indicated Bennett’s party is level with Netanyahu’s Likud at 24 Knesset seats, whereas Yesh Atid has been polling at approximately six to seven seats.

Netanyahu’s leadership has faced increasing pressure since Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza after a Hamas attack in October 2023 that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken. Palestinian health officials report that over 72,000 people have been killed and more than 172,000 injured by Israel’s airstrikes and ground assault. Surveys suggest Netanyahu could be defeated in the next election.

In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu concerning alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Domestically, Netanyahu is embroiled in a protracted corruption trial. He faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, all of which he denies, labeling the proceedings a politically motivated attack. The trial recommenced this week after a hiatus during the conflict with Iran, and a conclusion is not imminent. President Isaac Herzog has suggested that a pardon would only be contemplated after all possibilities for a plea agreement have been pursued.