Full Breakdown
Former Prime Ministers Bennett and Lapid Form ‘Together’ Party to Challenge Netanyahu
4/28/2026, 12:15:18 AM
The Merger: A New Opposition Bloc
On 26 April 2026 former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced the creation of a joint electoral list named “Together – Led by Naftali Bennett.” The launch took place at a televised press conference in Tel Aviv and is presented as the first step in “repairing the State of Israel.” The alliance merges Bennett’s “Bennett 2026” party with Lapid’s “Yesh Atid” and positions Bennett as the list leader.
Political Background
Bennett and Lapid previously formed a rotation government (2021-2022) that ended Netanyahu’s 12-year rule. Since the 2022 election, Netanyahu’s Likud has governed with a right-wing coalition. Recent polls show Netanyahu’s health—he disclosed a prostate-cancer operation—has become a campaign issue. The opposition bloc, previously able to reach the 61-seat “magic number” without Arab parties, now sits at 59-60 seats in the latest surveys.
Principal Actors
- Naftali Bennett – leader of the new list, former defense minister, tech entrepreneur.
- Yair Lapid – head of Yesh Atid, former prime minister, media veteran.
- Gadi Eisenkot – former IDF chief of staff, leader of the centrist Yashar! party, invited but has not joined.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – incumbent prime minister, Likud leader.
- Likud ministers Itamar Ben Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and other right-wing figures oppose the merger.
- Supporting opposition parties include Blue and White, The Democrats, Yisrael Beiteinu, and The Reservists.
Poll Numbers
- Walla (26 Apr 2026): Together 27 seats; Likud 28; opposition bloc 59 seats.
- Channel 12 (27 Apr 2026): Together 26 seats; Likud 25; Eisenkot-led Yashar! 15. A combined Bennett-Lapid-Eisenkot list would reach 41 seats.
- Maariv (23 Apr 2026): Bennett 24 seats; Likud 24; Yesh Atid 7.
- Other surveys: Coalition 51-57 seats; Arab parties 10-11 seats.
- Institute for National Security Studies (2025): 76 % of Israelis lack trust in Netanyahu’s government.
Why the Alliance Matters
Analysts note that a unified “repair bloc” could concentrate opposition votes, potentially forcing Netanyahu to negotiate with smaller parties or a breakaway “Likud B” faction. However, several commentators argue the merger may merely reshuffle votes within the opposition without altering the overall balance of power.
Official Summaries
Bennett framed the merger as “the most Zionist and patriotic step” to deliver a “decisive victory.” Lapid emphasized trust, describing Bennett as an “honest right-wing politician.” Eisenkot expressed willingness to cooperate, citing a shared goal of electoral success. Netanyahu dismissed the move as a repeat of past attempts, posting an AI-generated image linking the duo to Arab leader Mansour Abbas. Likud ministers labeled the alliance a “deception to steal right-wing votes” and accused it of aligning with “the Islamic Movement.”
Opposition Critique
Right-wing figures Itamar Ben Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and Likud MKs warned that the partnership threatens Israel’s security stance and blurs ideological lines. Smotrich posted, “I don’t interfere with the left on how it divides its votes.” Ben Gvir claimed the alliance would “hand the state over to the Islamic Movement.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polls differ on seat projections for Together (26-27 vs. 41 with Eisenkot). Eisenkot’s final decision remains unknown, and the impact of a potential “Likud B” splinter is unquantified. No source provides a definitive list-placement formula for the merged slate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Naftali Bennett, joint press conference.
- “Bennett is a right-wing politician, but an honest one, and there is trust between us.” — Yair Lapid, televised statement.
- “The goal of winning the critical elections ahead is a shared one,” — Gadi Eisenkot, X post.
- “They will do it again,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, X post.
- “The Bennett-Lapid brothers’ alliance is returning to sell the country to the Islamic Movement. Bennett was extreme left and will remain extreme left.” — Itamar Ben Gvir, X post.
Outlook
The next Knesset election must be held by October 2026. Ongoing talks may bring Eisenkot into the list, while right-wing factions explore a “Likud B” alternative. The final composition of the opposition bloc will shape coalition negotiations and Netanyahu’s prospects for a fourth consecutive term.
