Two former Israeli prime ministers have united to challenge Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections in Israel.
Right-wing leader Naftali Bennett and centrist Yair Lapid announced the merger of their parties in a new coalition called Together.
The move is aimed at unifying the scattered opposition and boosting their chances of defeating Netanyahu’s coalition government.
In a joint televised statement, Bennett said: “I am pleased to announce that tonight, along with my friend Yair Lapid, I am taking the most Zionist and patriotic step I have ever taken for my country.”
Lapid said: “Bennett is a right-wing politician, but honest and we have trust.” He also said, “This move aims to unify the faction, end internal divisions, and focus all efforts on winning the important upcoming elections – and taking Israel forward into the future.”
Polls show Netanyahu’s Likud party remains competitive, although support has weakened since the October 2023 attacks and subsequent conflicts.
Bennett said that the future government would investigate the incidents related to those attacks.
With elections expected later this year, opposition leaders are trying to capitalize on growing public discontent.
