Former Israeli Prime Ministers Join Forces in Challenge to Netanyahu

The announcement comes ahead of Israel’s next parliamentary election, currently scheduled for Oct. 27, 2026.

Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett (L) and Yair Lapid (R) hold a joint press conference announcing that their parties will run together in the upcoming elections, in Herzliya, Israel, on April 26, 2026. Ariel Schalit/AP

Two former Israeli prime ministers have announced they are joining forces to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in elections later this year.

Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, the current opposition leader, said on April 26 that they are merging their parties, Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid.