Israeli Opposition Leaders Form Alliance to Challenge Netanyahu

Former Israeli prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint run for office under a new party called Together. The move targets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of elections required before the end of October. Bennett and Lapid have criticized Netanyahu on domestic issues while maintaining similar positions on security matters.

They have not challenged the conduct of Israel's military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran.

A United Nations commission has determined that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, with more than 72,000 Palestinians killed. Polls in the United States show growing public anger across political lines over Israel's wars and perceived influence on U.S. politics. Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court warrant for war crimes.

Lapid argue that a change in leadership could improve Israel's international standing. They have offered limited policy differences from the current government on security and Palestinian issues. A policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations stated that Western governments may use a leadership change to reset relations.

The same fellow noted that a new government could pursue more pragmatic steps toward the Palestinian Authority and address settler violence. A former Israeli ambassador told Al Jazeera that Bennett and Lapid have competed to appear more hawkish on security matters.

He added that neither has questioned core policies toward Lebanon, Iran, or Palestinian statehood.