Two former Israeli prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, have announced a new political alliance aimed at removing current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power in the next general election.
The two leaders said they will merge their political parties into a new movement called “Together.” According to their announcement, Bennett will lead the party, while Lapid will play a key supporting role. The move is seen as a major attempt to unite Israel’s divided opposition ahead of the election scheduled for October 27, 2026.
In a joint statement, Bennett described the decision as a bold and necessary step to secure Israel’s future. Lapid, on his part, acknowledged their political differences but stressed that trust and shared goals brought them together. He said the alliance is focused on ending internal divisions within the opposition and presenting a strong alternative leadership to voters.
Both politicians have been vocal critics of Netanyahu, especially over his handling of national security issues following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. They argue that the government failed to prevent the attack and has not taken enough responsibility since then.
Bennett stated that if elected, his government would establish an independent national commission to investigate the events leading up to the attack—an inquiry that Netanyahu’s administration has so far resisted. Lapid has also criticised recent ceasefire decisions and broader wartime strategies, describing some of them as politically motivated and damaging.
This is not the first time Bennett and Lapid have worked together. In 2021, they formed a coalition government that ended Netanyahu’s 12-year rule at the time. However, that government collapsed after about 18 months due to internal disagreements and political pressure.
Despite their renewed partnership, recent opinion polls show a tight race. Netanyahu’s Likud party is still slightly ahead, but Bennett is emerging as a strong challenger. Surveys suggest Bennett could win significant support, while Lapid’s popularity has declined compared to previous elections.
Analysts say the success of the new alliance will depend on whether it can attract a broad range of voters, including both right-leaning and centrist groups, without falling apart due to ideological differences.
Israel’s next general election is expected to be closely contested, with the outcome likely to shape the country’s political direction and leadership for years to come.
