Bennett and Lapid Form 'Together' Alliance to Challenge Netanyahu

Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced the formation of a new political alliance named 'Together' (Beyachad in Hebrew), combining their respective parties, Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid. This strategic move aims to consolidate the opposition and challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the forthcoming elections scheduled for no later than October.

Bennett will lead the unified list, with Lapid supporting his leadership. The alliance seeks to unite the opposition bloc and enhance its prospects of forming a stable government. However, it remains uncertain how they will secure a majority without the support of Arab parties, with whom they have pledged not to form a government.

In an interview, Bennett unveiled his 'Israeli Renaissance' plan, which aims to bring one million new immigrants (olim) to Israel over the next decade, focusing on individuals from the United States, Britain, and Australia. He emphasized the need to 'open a new chapter for Israel, leaving behind the incompetence of government ministers, the corruption, and the infighting.'

Bennett also highlighted plans to strengthen Israel's global standing, noting that the country's international reputation is currently 'a catastrophe, especially in the United States.' He expressed concern that 'not only is the Democratic public hostile to Israel, but now significant parts of the Republican public are as well.'

The alliance between Bennett and Lapid is not their first collaboration. They previously formed a coalition government in 2021, with Bennett serving as prime minister and Lapid as foreign minister. That government lasted approximately one year before dissolving, leading to Netanyahu's return to power in the 2022 election. In this new agreement, there will be no rotation; Bennett will hold the prime minister position for the entire term.

Bennett expressed confidence in the durability of this alliance, stating that he is creating 'a governing alternative that would hold.' He acknowledged the challenges faced by their previous government but emphasized that this time, they are 'coming to fix' issues such as the surge in crime rates and inefficiencies in government ministries.

The 'Together' alliance marks a significant development in Israeli politics, as two prominent figures from different ideological backgrounds unite with the shared goal of unseating Netanyahu and implementing substantial reforms in the country's governance and international relations.