Bennett and Lapid Unite for 2026 Elections with New Party Beyahad
Bennett and Lapid Announce Merger Ahead of Elections
On Sunday, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid officially declared their political alliance, merging their parties into a single entity named Beyahad, which translates to "Together" in Hebrew. This coalition is set to participate in the upcoming 2026 Israeli elections, with Bennett leading the ticket under the full title "Together, Led by Bennett." During a joint press conference held in Herzliya, Bennett characterized this merger as a profoundly patriotic act for Israel, asserting that "the era of division is over" and expressing confidence in their path to victory.
Lapid's Strategic Move
For Lapid, this decision marks a notable sacrifice, as he steps back from his role as the opposition leader and head of the centrist Yesh Atid party to support Bennett. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the nation's needs over personal ambitions, stating, "We are setting ego aside and doing what is right for the State of Israel." He believes that for the coalition to succeed, the entire Israeli center must rally behind Bennett.
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Bennett's Promises for the Future
Bennett outlined his vision for governance should their coalition win, vowing to initiate a state commission of inquiry regarding the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. This commitment carries significant implications amid ongoing discussions about accountability for that incident.
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Additionally, he promised a "service-for-all law," ensuring that no state funds would be allocated to individuals avoiding IDF conscription, addressing the contentious issue of Haredi military exemptions.
Bennett's Coalition Stance
When discussing potential coalition partners, Bennett was clear that his government would only collaborate with Zionist parties, explicitly excluding any alliances with Arab parties. He also proposed an eight-year term limit for prime ministers, humorously noting that this rule would apply to him first. "We will protect our lands and not concede any territory to the enemy," he asserted, emphasizing a vision of inclusive Judaism without coercion.
Invitation Extended to Eisenkot
During the press conference, Bennett publicly invited Gadi Eisenkot, the chairman of the Yashar party and former Israeli army chief, to join their new coalition. Eisenkot, who was informed of the merger prior, responded positively, congratulating Bennett and expressing his commitment to improving Israel, though he did not immediately agree to join the ticket.
A Historical Partnership
This is not the first collaboration between Bennett and Lapid. In 2021, they united to unseat Netanyahu and formed a diverse coalition government that included right-wing, centrist, and left-wing parties. They operated under a rotation agreement, with Bennett serving as the initial prime minister before passing the role to Lapid. However, their government fell apart in 2022. Now, both leaders acknowledge their differing views on various issues, with Bennett expressing pride in their ability to work together for Israel's benefit. "Our unity is a message," he stated, as Israelis prepare to vote in October. Current polls indicate that Netanyahu's Likud party is leading the race.