Naftali Bennett told journalist Dafna Liel that the Lapid-Bennett partnership is vital because a divided bloc hands victory to Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett said he will not leave Lapid and called for expanding the union, asserting that 'a united bloc wins, a divided one doesn't.'
In remarks to journalist Dafna Liel, Naftali Bennett directly addressed the future of his political union with Yair Lapid, responding to speculation of a potential split. Bennett said the Lapid-led bloc must not only stay intact but expand, arguing that only a united anti-Netanyahu front can win an election. 'Those who benefit from splits are Netanyahu — so we must preserve the union and enlarge it,' Bennett said, adding that a divided bloc 'increases internal energy' and cedes victory to the opposition.
The statement comes hours after The Zioneer reported that Bennett was reportedly examining the dissolution of the partnership (20:01) and then announced he would not leave Lapid and considered himself the best candidate for prime minister (20:39). Tonight's remarks double down on the commitment to Lapid, while maintaining Bennett's own leadership ambitions — he has not said he would drop a bid for premier even if his party is smaller than others in the bloc.
Bennett's insistence on union-building is a direct response to internal right-wing pressure and declining poll numbers, which had fueled talk of a breakup that could fragment the anti-Netanyahu camp. The full impact on coalition dynamics remains to be seen.
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