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The two political veterans have tried this strategy before, and they actually managed to get Netanyahu voted out – for 18 months.
Two veteran Israeli politicians have joined forces again, setting the stage for a high-stakes election battle.
Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced they are merging their parties to try to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Reuters.
The new alliance aims to consolidate opposition support against the long-serving leader.
Lapid said at a joint appearance: “We are standing here together for the sake of our children. The State of Israel must change direction.”
Bennett confirmed the unified party will be called Together and that he will lead it. “After 30 years it is time to part with Netanyahu and open a new chapter for Israel,” he said.
Tried and failed
The two have previously cooperated, most notably in 2021 when they formed a coalition that ended Netanyahu’s 12-year run.
That government, which included an Arab party for the first time, lasted only 18 months due to internal divisions.
Netanyahu returned to power in 2022, heading a strongly right-wing coalition. However, the aftermath of Hamas’ 2023 attack has weakened his standing, with polls suggesting declining public confidence.
Echoes from Hungary
Earlier in April, Hungary’s Prime Minister for 16 years, Viktor Orbán, was ousted from office after a significant election defeat.
The victor, Peter Magyar, used a strategy of uniting the various political parties of the opposition, as the Hungarian election system favors the bigger parties.
For example, Magyar managed to gain support from the Hungarian left, which has prviously been very fragmented, making it difficult for any one leftish party to gain any real influence.
Election stakes rise
Recent surveys cited by Reuters show Bennett gaining ground, while Lapid’s support has dropped. Still, projections indicate their combined bloc could outperform Netanyahu’s coalition if smaller parties align with them.
Key campaign issues include military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox communities and broader security concerns. Both Bennett and Lapid have criticised Netanyahu’s handling of regional threats involving Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.
With the election expected by October, analysts say the race remains fluid, and Netanyahu’s political resilience could still prove decisive.
Sources: Reuters, CNN, AP News, Euronews
