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Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced a joint political alliance to run in Israel's upcoming elections under a single ticket named Together, with Bennett leading the list. The merger, unveiled on April 26, 2026, is widely seen as an effort to unite the opposition bloc and strengthen its chances of unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the move has generated optimism among some Yesh Atid members, analysts are divided over whether it will break the country's political deadlock or simply freeze it at a larger scale.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from the Jerusalem Post, the sole outlet whose coverage is examined here, offer multiple perspectives on the alliance, ranging from optimistic to skeptical. One report, citing Yesh Atid MKs Merav Ben Ari and Vladimir Beliak, highlights the positive reception within the party and among the public. Ben Ari described the merger as "an amazing thing" and said it has given hope to many citizens, while Beliak noted "support from all the [Yesh Atid] MKs" for the move.

Other articles take a more analytical or critical stance. One analysis frames the merger as a "unity-driven alternative" to the current coalition, emphasizing cooperation over division after years of political deadlock, judicial reform battles, and the aftermath of October 7. Another report, however, questions the effectiveness of the alliance, describing the electoral arithmetic as "frozen" and suggesting that the whole may be "smaller than the sum of its parts." A fourth piece goes further, arguing that the merger does not address Israel's shift to the right since October 7 and has triggered negative reactions from right-wing voters.

Key Claims

  • Bennett and Lapid have formed an alliance to run under the name Together, with Bennett leading the ticket.
  • Yesh Atid will not dissolve and will continue to exist within the alliance, according to multiple reports.
  • The alliance aims to unite the opposition and boost its chances of unseating Netanyahu, with elections scheduled no later than October.
  • Bennett and Lapid have agreed to allocate 10 out of the top 24 spots on the joint list to Yesh Atid, allowing Lapid to potentially split from Bennett after the election, as reported by KAN Reshet Bet.
  • Polls cited in reports suggest the Together Party would gain 24-27 seats. A KAN poll prior to the merger predicted Bennett would gain 19 seats and Yesh Atid six; a Walla poll published on Monday put Together at 27 seats, while a later cluster of polls put the average at 25 seats.
  • The combined anti-Netanyahu Zionist bloc is at 55 seats, with the Netanyahu bloc also at 55, and Arab parties at 10, indicating a continued deadlock.
  • Bennett has emerged as one of Netanyahu's strongest potential challengers, with the alliance hoping to consolidate support across the political center and moderate Right.
  • Some right-wing voters have reacted negatively, with some viewing Bennett as "Lapid with a kippah," according to one report.
  • Since October 7, Israel has become more conservative and right-wing, with 27% of Jewish respondents observing more traditions and 19% identifying as hard Right, as noted in one article.

Perspectives

Yesh Atid leadership and MKs

Yesh Atid MKs Merav Ben Ari and Vladimir Beliak expressed strong support for the alliance, describing it as a positive development that has received backing from party members and the public. Ben Ari praised Lapid's leadership, saying he "truly knows how to put his ego aside and act for the sake of the people of Israel."

Political analysts and commentators

Several Jerusalem Post analyses highlight the strategic logic of the merger but warn of its potential limitations. One notes that the alliance "freezes the electoral arithmetic in place," with both blocs tied at 55 seats, making it difficult to form a government. Another argues that the merger does not address the public's desire for institutional reform and may not appeal to a rightward-moving electorate.

Right-wing voters

Some right-wing voters have reacted negatively to the alliance, viewing Bennett as too close to Lapid. The criticism is encapsulated in the phrase "Lapid with a kippah," suggesting that Bennett's partnership with a centrist leader undermines his right-wing credentials.