Former Israeli Prime Minister Bennett and Lapid have formed a united party aimed at toppling Netanyahu's government in the upcoming elections later this year.
On Sunday, right-wing Bennett and centrist Lapid confirmed that their parties—the Bennett 2026 Party and the Yesh Atid Party—would merge into a single unified list named "The Common Party under Bennett’s Leadership." The two stated that the move aims to consolidate the opposition and improve their chances in the election, which must be held no later than late October.
Bennett told reporters that the alliance was "the most Zionist and patriotic act we’ve ever done for this country," declaring, "The era of division is over." Lapid added, "We stand together for our children’s future. The State of Israel must change direction."
The two are widely regarded as Netanyahu’s strongest political rivals. Previously, they had joined forces after the 2021 elections, ending Netanyahu’s 12-year rule and forming a short-lived "change government"—a coalition spanning right-wing, centrist, and left-wing parties. This included the Arab Ra'am Party led by Mansour Abbas, marking the first time a party representing Israel’s Palestinian minority joined a governing coalition. Netanyahu returned to power following his victory in the November 2022 elections.
The new partners will run on a unified list but will not formally merge their parties. Both emphasized they would seek to form a government only with Zionist opposition parties (excluding Arab factions). Bennett also stated that his government would advance universal conscription, end funding for draft evaders, and introduce an eight-year term limit for the prime minister.
A recent poll by Maariv Daily showed Bennett’s party tied with Netanyahu’s Likud Group at 24 seats each, while Yesh Atid held polling support of around six to seven seats. The survey suggests Netanyahu may lose the next election.
In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, alleging he committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces a prolonged corruption trial. He is accused in three cases of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies any wrongdoing, claiming the charges are politically motivated. The trial, suspended during the Iran war, resumed this week, with no resolution yet in sight. President Herzog stated that any pardon would only be considered after all efforts at plea bargaining have been exhausted.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863673308736522/
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