A press conference was called in a hotel in Herzliya city of Israel. Two former prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, came together on stage. Both of them announced, ‘Now we will contest elections together, our new party will be named Together and we have only one objective – to oust Benjamin Netanyahu from power.’ This is the same Bennett and Lapid who together ousted Netanyahu’s 12-year-old government in 2021. But due to the breakdown of the alliance, Netanyahu returned in 2021. Now again the same pair and the same mission. But will they be successful this time and will Netanyahu not be able to save the chair even by waging a war? Know in the explainer…

Question 1: What plan have Bennett and Lapid made against Netanyahu?
answer: This plan was not made suddenly, but under compulsion and strategy. Actually, elections are to be held in Israel in October 2027, but there is speculation that Netanyahu may hold early elections in October this year. In such a situation the opposition is uniting. On April 26, 2026, Naftali and Bennett have announced to form a new party by merging their parties. Its name will be ‘Together’. Both parties currently have a total of 24 seats in Parliament, of which Bennett has 17 and Lapid has 7.

Even in 2021, both of them together formed the ‘Change Government’, which ended Netanyahu’s power. At that time, first Bennett became the Prime Minister, then Lapid was to take over this post but the alliance broke. This time Lapid has accepted Bennett’s leadership. According to The Times of Israel, if Lapid’s party contests the elections alone, it may be limited to only 5-7 seats, while Bennett may get more than 20 seats. In such a situation, Lapid had to take this step to save his existence. He has also invited Gadi Aizencott to attend.

However, there is a lot of difference in the thinking of the two leaders, which is also the biggest challenge and weakness of this alliance.

• Naftali Bennett: Are staunch Jewish nationalists. He is a supporter of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and is strongly against the formation of a Palestinian state. For them, Israel’s security is paramount.
• Yair Lapid: Secular and liberal leader. Popular among the urban middle class and professionals. Have a practical approach in foreign policy and governance.

Question 2: Will leaders like Gadi Eiseenkot and Benny Gantz also come together?
answer: This is where the biggest reversal has taken place. Former army chief Gadi Aizencott has emerged as the key to this alliance. Eiseenkot was the chief of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 2015-19 and is important in security matters. He was earlier in Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party, but is now creating a separate identity. Experts say that because of his strong image on security and military issues, right-wing voters are now moving towards Aizenkot.

According to a survey by Israeli TV Channel 12, Bennett has invited Eiseenkot to join the coalition, but no response has been received so far. If all three come together, then according to the survey they are expected to get around 41 seats, which will make them the largest party. There are 120 seats in the Israeli Parliament and a majority of 61 seats is required to form the government.

Question 3: Is Netanyahu’s power really in danger?
answer: Yes, this is the most delicate question. Latest surveys show that Netanyahu’s coalition government is in true danger for the first time, but the situation is not as clear as it seems:

According to the block equation, the government needs majority (61 seats). Currently, surveys of Channel 12 and Channel 13 are showing that Netanyahu’s alliance is between 49-57 seats, i.e. far from majority. The opposition (Zionists) has between 52-60 seats, they too are not in sole majority. Arab parties have 10 seats. To reach 61, the opposition needs the support of either Arab parties or right-wing parties. However, Bennett has clearly said that he will not form an alliance with Arab parties. This is the biggest challenge before them, because without Arab parties it is almost impossible for them to get 61 seats. Negativity also plays a big role against Netanyahu:

• Netanyahu’s strategy: They have joined hands with extreme right-wing parties to remain in power. By adopting a tough stance on security and taking tough action on the Iran-Hezbollah front, he is keeping his Kot voters satisfied.
• Growing resentment: Now fatigue and opposition are also increasing. The long war has damaged the economy. The families of the hostages are continuously protesting. Apart from this, corruption cases are also going on against him, due to which his image has been tarnished.
• Psychological warfare: Experts believe that the biggest impact of this alliance will be psychological. If opposition voters feel that they are united and can defeat Netanyahu, then their enthusiasm will increase and turnout will also increase, which may cause loss to Netanyahu.

Question 4: What did Netanyahu do to remain on the post of PM?
answer: Benjamin Netanyahu has been the longest serving Prime Minister in the history of Israel. To remain in power, he has taken several steps which raise serious questions:

• Super-Sparta Model: According to the report of British think tank Chatham House, Netanyahu has adopted a policy of keeping Israel in a ‘state of permanent military readiness’, which is being called the ‘Super-Sparta’ model. This means keeping society always ready for war, keeping the civilian economy on permanent high-alert, and keeping reservists in the army for long periods of time. But this model is failing because there is a shortage of 15 thousand soldiers in the IDF. Reservists are being called up repeatedly, increasing pressure on the economy and spreading ‘war fatigue’ among the public.
• Dependence on far-right and religious parties: The Netanyahu government is the most right-wing government in the history of Israel. He relies on far-right leaders like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to remain in power. Under pressure from these parties, more than 30 new Jewish settlements were given legal recognition in the West Bank. Death penalty laws were passed that specifically target Palestinians. European countries strongly criticized it. An additional budget of 800 million shekels was passed for Haredi institutions. An attempt was made to formalize Haredi exemption from military conscription, while other Israelis are required to perform hundreds of days of reserve duty.
• Attack on Judiciary: Netanyahu’s government has repeatedly tried to ‘weaken’ the Supreme Court. According to an opinion piece in the Jewish Post, Netanyahu is at war with the institutions that check executive powers in an effort to turn Israel into an “elected autocracy.”

An INSS survey shows that at the beginning of the war, 69% of Israelis believed that ‘huge damage’ would be inflicted on the Iranian regime, but now only 30.5% believe so.

Question 5: So won’t Netanyahu be able to save the chair even by starting a war?
answer: Benjamin Netanyahu attacked Gaza on 7 October 2023 and destroyed entire Gaza within a few months. On the pretext of targeting Hamas, Muslim men, women and even children were selectively killed. Then on 28 February 2026, Iran was attacked under ‘Operation Roaring Lion’. The ceasefire came into effect on 8 April 2026 with the mediation of US President Donald Trump. But this ceasefire is very delicate. Netanyahu got the war fought, but did not present any clear result of victory before the people. Apart from this, the fight against Hezbollah continued in Lebanon.

At the beginning of the war, people gathered behind Netanyahu, but now the situation has changed. The public is beginning to feel that this is a never-ending war. According to the Chatham House report, the public supports the war’s objectives, but is fed up with the government’s inability to provide a decisive end-state. But three things are certain:

• Netanyahu is not finished yet: His coalition government still has more than 50 seats. He can change the equation by striking a big deal or military success before the elections.
• Aizencott is the ‘kingmaker’: If he comes with Bennett, the opposition will be strong. If they fight separately, they could split right-wing votes and benefit Netanyahu.
• Israel’s foreign policy will not change: Whether Netanyahu remains or Bennett-Lapid comes, Israel will continue to take a tough stance against Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas. There will be no major change on the Palestine issue either.