Israel: Bennett-Lapid Alliance Targets Netanyahu
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Jerusalem
- Apr 27, 2026
- 59
In Israel, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have decided to join forces once again to challenge incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in upcoming elections.
The two leaders, who had earlier united in 2021 to end Netanyahu’s 12-year rule, are now forming a new political party called “Together.” Bennett will head the alliance and serve as its prime ministerial candidate.
Although the next elections are scheduled for October 2027, there is speculation that Netanyahu may dissolve parliament and call early elections later this year.
Their previous coalition, formed in 2021, brought together parties from across the political spectrum—including right-wing, left-wing, centrist, and Arab groups. However, deep ideological differences over key issues such as security, Palestine, and settlements led to constant tensions. By 2022, the fragile alliance collapsed, forcing both leaders to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections.
Netanyahu subsequently returned to power, while Lapid became the leader of the opposition. Bennett stepped away from active politics for a period, and his party, Yamina, did not contest the election.
Lapid’s party, Yesh Atid, says the renewed alliance aims to unify the opposition, reduce internal divisions, and strengthen its chances in the next election.
Bennett is widely seen as a hardline nationalist with strong views on security and a long-standing opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state. He has consistently supported Jewish settlements in the West Bank. In contrast, Lapid is regarded as a more liberal and centrist leader, popular among urban, middle-class, and secular voters.
The alliance is strategically important for both leaders. Recent surveys suggest Yesh Atid’s parliamentary strength could decline significantly, making the partnership crucial for Lapid. For Bennett, the rise of Gadi Eizenkot—a former army chief who entered politics in 2022—has shifted voter dynamics, particularly among those focused on security issues.
Bennett has also invited Eizenkot to join the alliance, though he has not yet responded. Analysts believe his decision could significantly influence the opposition’s strength.
Israel’s parliament has 120 seats, and some projections suggest that a combined front of Bennett, Lapid, and Eizenkot could secure around 38 seats, potentially emerging as the largest bloc. While this may not drastically alter the balance between political camps, experts say a united opposition could have a strong psychological impact on voters, boosting turnout and reshaping the electoral landscape.