Lapid urges opposition leader Eisenkot to join alliance against Netanyahu

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has renewed his appeal to Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! party, to join his alliance with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Lapid aims to merge their efforts into a single "Together" party to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections, scheduled no later than October 27.

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Gadi, come. You are a man of values, a man who loves this country. I believe in your good intentions. I respect your abilities. Come – join us. A partnership between us will win the election and save the State of Israel. For the sake of our children, Gadi, come.

Lapid made the call during a faction press conference in the Knesset, noting that the "Together" party has recently seen a drop in polls, while Eisenkot's Yashar! party has gained seats. "Gadi, come. You are a man of values, a man who loves this country," Lapid urged. "A partnership between us will win the election and save the State of Israel. For the sake of our children, Gadi, come."

The opposition bloc is seeking to replace Netanyahu, but tensions persist regarding leadership. Eisenkot has reportedly proposed that the party securing the most seats after the election should lead the government formation. Lapid, drawing on his extensive political experience, expressed conviction that Eisenkot's inclusion is crucial for victory, stating, "in order to win, we must first unite the camp."

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When I entered politics, my hair was black. Today, my hair is white. I have founded governments and political parties, and I have held every possible role. I am putting all my experience and knowledge behind one conviction: in order to win, we must first unite the camp.

Ahead of a Knesset vote on dissolving the parliament and proceeding to elections, Lapid sharply criticized the current government. "Good riddance to this government," he declared, asserting that no government has had "so many disasters" recorded under its tenure. He referenced the events of October 7, 2023, describing it as the "largest massacre in the country's history."

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The Knesset will vote today in its first reading on dissolving the Knesset and going to elections. We are taking another step toward the end of this government’s term. Good riddance to this government.