Analysis: Bennett-Lapid alliance attempt to unseat Israel’s Netanyahu

Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced the formation of a new joint party, "Together," in an attempt to unseat current leader Benjamin Netanyahu. The alliance, which previously led to Netanyahu's ousting in 2021, aims to usher in a "new era" for Israel. However, recent polling suggests the new bloc may win fewer seats than their individual parties would have, and one less than Netanyahu's Likud Party. Their previous coalition in 2021 was notable for its broad ideological spectrum and inclusion of an Arab party, and successfully passed a budget and reduced the influence of religious parties. Analysts suggest this renewed bid for power will have little impact on Palestinian issues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a new challenge as two of his prominent rivals, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, have joined forces to form a rightwing-centrist coalition for upcoming elections. Their new party, named "Together," aims to unseat Netanyahu, with Bennett as its leader. They have also invited Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, to join their alliance, which polls suggest could become the largest bloc in the Knesset. This political maneuver comes as Netanyahu recently underwent surgery for a malignant prostate tumor, a health development that may become an election issue. Bennett and Lapid previously led a short-lived coalition, and their current alliance seeks to "change direction" for Israel.

Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced on Sunday they are merging their political parties, Bennett 2026 and There is a Future, respectively. This alliance aims to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government in the upcoming election, expected later this year. The two leaders stated their intention to change the direction of the State of Israel. The merger was announced at a joint news conference, signaling a significant consolidation of opposition forces against Netanyahu.

Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced the merger of their political parties, Bennett 2026 and There is a Future, to challenge incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in upcoming elections. The alliance, named Together, aims to unite a divided opposition against Netanyahu's coalition government. Bennett will lead the new party, which he stated is a patriotic step for Israel. Lapid described Bennett as an honest right-wing politician with whom there is trust, emphasizing the goal of ending internal divisions to win the elections. Both leaders have been critical of Netanyahu's handling of recent conflicts, and Bennett has vowed to establish an inquiry into failures preceding the October 7th attack if elected. This marks a reunion for Bennett and Lapid, who previously collaborated to end Netanyahu's long tenure in 2021.