Bennett and Lapid Merge Parties to Challenge Netanyahu in Upcoming Israeli Election
On Sunday, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, both former prime ministers of Israel, announced that their parties, Bennett 2026 and There is a Future, will join forces to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition in the upcoming election expected later this year. The alliance will be called Together, with Bennett at the helm. During a press conference, Lapid stated, "We are united for our children’s future. The State of Israel needs a new direction." Bennett added, "After three decades, it’s time to move on from Netanyahu and start a fresh chapter for Israel." Netanyahu, who has been a polarizing figure since the 1990s, faces a formidable coalition that previously ended his 12-year tenure in the 2021 election.
Key facts
- Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced the merger of their parties on Sunday.
- The new party is called Together and will be led by Bennett.
- The merger aims to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government.
- The coming election is expected later this year.
- Bennett and Lapid previously formed a coalition that ended Netanyahu's 12-year tenure in 2021.
- That coalition lasted barely 18 months due to internal divisions.
- Lapid said the State of Israel must change direction.
- Bennett said it is time to part with Netanyahu after 30 years.
Entities
Institutions
- Bennett 2026
- There is a Future
- Together
Locations
- Israel