Israel opposition unites as Bennett and Lapid merge parties to challenge Netanyahu

Two former Israeli prime ministers have joined forces to challenge Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of upcoming elections in Israel.

Right wing leader Naftali Bennett and centrist Yair Lapid announced the merger of their parties into a new alliance called Together.

The move aims to unite a fragmented opposition and increase their chances of defeating Netanyahu’s coalition government.

In a joint televised statement, Bennett said: “I am pleased to announce that tonight, together with my friend Yair Lapid, I am taking the most Zionist and patriotic step we have ever taken for our country.”

Lapid added: “Bennett is a right-wing politician, but an honest one, and there is trust between us.” He also said, “This move is intended to unite the bloc, put an end to internal divisions, and focus all efforts on winning the critical upcoming elections – and leading Israel forward into the future.”

Polls suggest Netanyahu’s Likud party remains competitive, though support has weakened since the October 2023 attacks and subsequent conflicts.

Bennett said a future government would establish an inquiry into the events leading up to those attacks.

The election is expected later this year, with opposition leaders seeking to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction.