Bennett and Lapid Relaunch 'Together' Party to Challenge Netanyahu; Poll Shows Bloc Trails Likud by One Seat

Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, both former Prime Ministers, have renewed their political partnership to contest Israel’s next election. This alliance mirrors their 2021 collaboration, which successfully ended Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year tenure as Prime Minister.

The previous Bennett-Lapid government featured a unique power-sharing agreement, with Bennett serving first, followed by Lapid. This coalition, despite stabilizing governance briefly, collapsed in 2022 following internal disagreements and defections.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced the formation of the 'Together' party, declaring it would bring 'a great victory, and the opening of a new era for our beloved country.' He leads the new political entity.

However, a Jerusalem Post poll projects the new Bennett-Lapid bloc would secure four fewer seats than their combined former parties if they ran separately. The poll further indicates they would trail current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud by one seat.

Bennett’s stated policy positions include authorizing a 'shoot-to-kill' policy for Palestinians crossing the Gaza-Israel border. He asserted that such individuals, including children, 'are not children – they are terrorists.'

This renewed alliance aims to disrupt the current political landscape dominated by Netanyahu. The tight polling numbers indicate a closely watched contest ahead.

Future polling and campaign developments will reveal if the 'Together' party can bridge this gap and alter Israel's political trajectory.