Bennett and Lapid Form Alliance to Challenge Netanyahu in Upcoming Israel Election

Former Israeli prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced a political alliance aimed at unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming election expected later this year. The two rivals confirmed the merger of their parties—Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid—in a move that could significantly reshape Israel’s political landscape.

At a joint press conference, Lapid stressed the need for national change, saying Israel must “change direction” for the sake of future generations. Bennett revealed the new party will be called “Together” and confirmed he will lead it. He described the alliance as a necessary step to move beyond Netanyahu’s decades-long influence on Israeli politics.

This is not the first collaboration between Bennett and Lapid. In 2021, they successfully formed a coalition that ended Netanyahu’s 12-year run in power. However, their government collapsed after 18 months due to internal disagreements, particularly over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That coalition was historic for including an Arab party, the United Arab List, marking a first in Israel’s political history.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, returned to office in 2022 with a right-wing coalition. Despite his track record of political survival, recent polls suggest declining public support following the 2023 Hamas attack and ongoing regional tensions. Surveys indicate Netanyahu’s Likud party remains competitive, but a united front led by Bennett and Lapid could secure enough seats to form a new governing coalition.

Bennett has ruled out forming alliances with Arab parties in the future and reaffirmed his opposition to territorial concessions. Meanwhile, both leaders are focusing on key domestic issues, including military service obligations and economic concerns affecting Israel’s middle class.

With elections approaching, the Bennett-Lapid alliance presents a serious challenge to Netanyahu, potentially marking a turning point in Israeli politics and leadership.