The Bennett-Lapid alliance: Success or a failure? - opinion

The announcement of a joint electoral alliance between Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid marks a significant development in Israel's complex political arena, signaling a strategic move ahead of the 2026 elections. This union attempts to bridge ideological divides, aiming to create a formidable bloc capable of challenging established political forces.

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The Zionist Union, under their leadership, won 24 seats, whereas pre-merger polls had projected the two parties separately to receive about seven seats fewer.

Historically, electoral alliances in Israel have yielded varied outcomes. While some, like the 2015 Zionist Union, achieved considerable success by exceeding pre-merger expectations, others, such as the 2013 Likud-Yisrael Beytenu pact, fell short of anticipated results. The Bennett-Lapid alliance faces a similar uncertainty, with polls suggesting a potential combined strength of around 30 seats, but with significant risks.

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While early expectations suggested that the joint list would secure more than 40 seats, the outcome was widely regarded as an electoral disappointment, with only 31 seats won.

The primary challenge lies in reconciling Bennett's right-wing platform, including his past stances on settlement expansion and judicial reform, with Lapid's center-left base, which often favors cooperation with Arab parties. Conversely, Bennett's more conservative supporters might be wary of an alliance with Lapid. The success of this 'Together' party, tentatively named, hinges on its ability to navigate these internal tensions and present a cohesive vision that appeals across the political spectrum, a feat that has proven difficult for similar ventures in the past.

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Prior to the alliance, most polls projected Bennett’s party at over 20 seats, while Lapid’s Yesh Atid hovered around seven. Thus, the combined party’s potential could approach 30 seats.