Two of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's biggest political rivals, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, announced on Sunday the merger of their parties in a bid to unseat his coalition government in elections expected later this year. The alliance brings together Bennett's 'Bennett 2026' and Lapid's 'Yesh Atid' parties under the new name 'Together', with Bennett as leader.

The move aims to consolidate a fragmented opposition that shares little common ground beyond hostility toward Netanyahu. In a joint televised statement, Bennett declared: '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.'

The alliance is designed to end internal divisions and focus on winning the upcoming elections, which must be held by October. Lapid stated: '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.'

Bennett promised that if elected, he would establish a national commission of inquiry into the failures leading up to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack – something the current Netanyahu government has rejected. Both Bennett and Lapid have been outspoken critics of Netanyahu's handling of the subsequent wars, with Lapid labeling a two-week ceasefire with Iran a 'political disaster'.

This is not the first time Bennett and Lapid have joined forces. In 2021, they ended Netanyahu's 12-year tenure by forming a coalition that lasted barely 18 months. Netanyahu returned to power in November 2022, forming the most right-wing government in Israel's history.

However, the October 2023 attack and the ensuing war have severely damaged Netanyahu's security credentials. Polls consistently predict his defeat in the next election. An April 23 survey by N12 News gave Bennett's party 21 seats, Netanyahu's Likud 25, and Lapid's party only 7 – down from its current 24 seats.

Source: www.aljazeera.com