Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced on Sunday, April 26, 2026, that they are joining forces in a novel political alliance aimed at unseating Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming national elections.
The two leaders, who previously served together in a rotation government from 2021 to 2022, revealed their decision during a joint press conference in Herzliya, Israel. Bennett, leader of the right-wing Bennett 2026 party, and Lapid, head of the centrist There is a Future party, said their new coalition will run under the name “Together,” with Bennett as its leader.
Speaking at the event, Bennett described the move as “the most Zionist and patriotic step we have ever taken for our country,” emphasizing their shared commitment to ending what they described as internal divisions within the opposition.
Lapid echoed the sentiment, stating that despite their ideological differences, there is mutual trust between them. “Bennett is a right-wing politician, but an honest one,” he said, adding that the alliance is intended to unite fragmented opposition forces and focus all efforts on winning the election.
Their previous collaboration in 2021 ended Netanyahu’s 12-year consecutive tenure as prime minister, though the resulting coalition government collapsed after just 18 months. This time, both leaders said the goal is not only to defeat Netanyahu but to provide a stable alternative capable of governing effectively.
The announcement comes amid growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership, particularly among centrist and right-leaning voters dissatisfied with the prolonged political stalemate and ongoing security challenges. Polls indicate a fragmented opposition has struggled to present a unified front, a gap Bennett and Lapid aim to fill.
By combining their respective voter bases, the new alliance seeks to consolidate anti-Netanyahu sentiment into a single competitive bloc. Political analysts note that such a union could significantly alter the electoral landscape, especially if it succeeds in attracting disillusioned members of Netanyahu’s own Likud party or undecided voters.
Both leaders stressed that their partnership is rooted in national interest rather than personal ambition. “This move is intended to put an end to internal divisions and lead Israel forward into the future,” Lapid said during the televised address.
The alliance marks a significant development in Israeli politics, signaling a renewed attempt by former allies to challenge the long-serving prime minister ahead of what is expected to be a pivotal election later in 2026.
