What's happened
Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have formed the Together slate, which polling shows would win 26 seats if elections were held today. Netanyahu faces growing opposition as polls suggest shifting support amid security and regional tensions.
What's behind the headline?
analysis
- The Together alliance is establishing a credible alternative to Netanyahu, potentially altering the dynamics of a tight Knesset race.
- Polls showing 26 seats for Together indicate a real shift in momentum, though polls in Israel have historically fluctuated near elections.
- Bennett and Lapid’s hawkish stance on security issues complements a pragmatic, diplomacy‑after‑military action approach, which could appeal to voters seeking stability amid regional threats.
- The coalition’s attractiveness hinges on its ability to consolidate right-wing, centrist and some left-of-center voters, and on how it handles policy gaps on Palestinian statehood and negotiated peace versus security-first objectives.
- If Together grows, it could pressure Netanyahu to reframe his strategy on Iran, Gaza and Hezbollah, potentially influencing coalition dynamics and post‑election governance.
How we got here
Bennett and Lapid have previously joined forces to end Netanyahu’s long tenure. The new BeYachad‑Together effort aims to unite right, centre and left against the incumbent government, amid ongoing debates over Iran, Gaza and Lebanon. Public polls in late April show Together as a potential challenger, signaling a pivotal moment in Israel’s political landscape.
Our analysis
The Times of Israel, SBS, The Japan Times, Reuters
Go deeper
- How might the Together slate affect Netanyahu’s Likud in the next polls?
- What concrete policy differences are Bennett and Lapid pitching compared with Netanyahu?
- Could the BeYachad-Together alliance reshape Israel’s approach to Iran, Gaza or Lebanon?
More on these topics
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Yair Lapid - Knesset member
Yair Lapid is an Israeli politician and former journalist serving as chairman of the Yesh Atid party and opposition leader in the Knesset. He served as Minister of Finance from 2013 to 2014. Before entering politics in 2012, Lapid was an author, TV presen
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Benjamin Netanyahu - Prime Minister of Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Naftali Bennett - Former Minister of the Economy of Israel
Naftali Bennett is an Israeli politician who led the Jewish Home party between 2012 and 2018 and currently serves as an MK for New Right.