Former Israeli prime ministers unite to challenge Netanyahu in upcoming elections
Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced the formation of a new political party called “Together,” as they seek to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming October elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Herzliya on Sunday, April 26, Bennett described the move as a national effort.
"I am happy to announce to you that tonight, together with my friend Yair Lapid, I am doing the most Zionist and most patriotic act we have ever done for our country," Bennett said.
Bennett stated that if he returns to office, he will establish a state commission to investigate the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, a step he said the current government has not taken.
“On the first day of a new government led by me, we will establish a state commission of inquiry into the October massacre to bring truth to the families and answers to all the people of Israel." He also said his administration would introduce a limit of eight years for a prime minister’s tenure.
Lapid, who currently leads the opposition, said Bennett would head the new party and described him as capable of leading the country.
He added that a unified opposition could defeat the current government, referencing Peter Magyar's landslide win against Viktor Orban in the recent elections in Hungary.
"After 16 years in power, Orban lost. It happened because people believed change was possible. They united behind a single candidate, fought for their country, and won. That's why Bennett and I are here."
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has faced criticism over his handling of regional conflicts and allegations that he has avoided accountability for failures during his time in office.
Bennett and Lapid previously formed a coalition that removed Netanyahu from power in 2021, ending his 12-year rule. The coalition lasted 18 months before Netanyahu returned to office in November 2022.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
