Former Israeli prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, are set to announce a joint electoral bid in Israel’s upcoming legislative elections.
“Former prime minister Naftali Bennett and former prime minister Yair Lapid will announce the first step in the process of healing the State of Israel: the merger of the Yesh Atid party and the Bennett 2026 party into a unified party led by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett,” Bennett’s office said in a statement on Sunday.
“This move unites the ‘reform bloc,’ puts an end to internal infighting, and allows for all efforts to be invested towards a decisive victory in the upcoming elections and to lead Israel towards the necessary reform,” it added.
The announcement signals a new phase of coordination within Israel’s opposition, as parties seek to consolidate support and present a united front against the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel’s legislative elections are scheduled to take place in October.
