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Netanyahu Rivals Unite: Bennett and Lapid Form New Israeli Party

Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, two major political rivals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have announced the formation of a new party called 'Together.' This move signals a concerted effort to challenge Netanyahu's existing coalition government in the upcoming Israeli election. The leaders stated the necessity for a fundamental change in Israel's national direction. While Bennett and Lapid have formed coalitions before, their new alliance is timed amid Netanyahu facing mounting political pressure following the 2023 Hamas attacks. Recent polls suggest that the combined strength of Bennett and Lapid's potential coalition may surpass the current ruling bloc, marking a significant shift in Israeli politics.

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Netanyahu Rivals Unite: Bennett and Lapid Form New Israeli Party

Two prominent rivals of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a merger, forming a new political party aimed at unseating his current coalition government in the upcoming election. The former prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, stated their goal is to steer the State of Israel in a new direction.

Formation of 'Together' Party

At a joint press conference, Bennett and Lapid announced the merger of their respective parties, Bennett 2026 and There is a Future. They declared the new entity will be named 'Together,' with Bennett positioning himself as its leader.

  • Yair Lapid stated: "We are standing here together for the sake of our children. The State of Israel must change direction."
  • Naftali Bennett added: "After 30 years, it is time to part with Netanyahu and open a new chapter for Israel."

History of Political Alliances

The alliance between Bennett and Lapid is not unprecedented. They previously united to end Netanyahu's 12-year tenure in the 2021 election. However, that coalition government struggled, surviving barely 18 months due to deep divisions over key issues, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • Their 2021 coalition notably included the United Arab List (UAL), a party representing the Arab minority in Israel.
  • Previously, the duo had also formed a coalition in 2013, which excluded Netanyahu's traditional ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies.
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Netanyahu's Political Challenges

Netanyahu, who formed the right-wing government following the November 2022 election, has faced significant political headwinds. The Hamas attack on southern Israel in 2023 intensified regional turmoil and damaged his security credentials. Polls have since suggested that Netanyahu may lose the next election, anticipated by the end of October.

  • Despite the challenges, Netanyahu has maintained a history of political resilience.
  • In response to the merger, Netanyahu posted a photo from 2021, suggesting a pattern of political maneuvering by his rivals.

Current Political Landscape and Polls

Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in the balance of power. An April 23 survey by Israel's N12 News provided the following snapshot:

  • Naftali Bennett: Projected to secure 21 seats in the Knesset.
  • Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud: Projected to secure 25 seats.
  • Yair Lapid's Party: Projected to secure only 7 seats (down from 24).
  • Netanyahu's Coalition: Commands 50 seats.
  • Bennett and Lapid's Potential Coalition: Estimated to command at least 60 seats, incorporating several smaller factions.

Bennett has also made statements clarifying his future political boundaries, ruling out future coalitions with Arab parties and rejecting any cession of land to external entities.

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