Yesh Atid sources expressed anger at Naftali Bennett on Monday after he reportedly hinted that Gadi Eisenkot's rise in polls means he is no longer a viable candidate for prime minister. The sources said the Bennett-Lapid union has failed, the campaign is faltering, and MKs are being pushed aside. Growing calls within the party to re-examine the alliance.
Sources within Yesh Atid on Monday attacked Naftali Bennett over what they described as a hint that he no longer sees himself as a prime ministerial candidate, given the surge in polls for Gadi Eisenkot's party. The criticism, reported by a political correspondent, marks the deepest internal rift yet in the Bennett-Lapid alliance since its formation.
According to the sources, the union has failed to gain traction, the campaign is faltering, and party MKs feel pushed aside. Calls are growing within Yesh Atid to re-examine the partnership with Bennett, who has been losing ground to Eisenkot in recent polls.
As The Zioneer has reported over recent weeks, multiple polls — including surveys by Channel 14, Channel 13, and N12 — have shown Eisenkot's party rising to 20 seats while Bennett's has dropped to single digits. The trend has fueled speculation about a possible merger under Eisenkot, which Bennett has not ruled out. It remains unclear whether Bennett will respond to the criticism or whether the alliance can survive the growing pressure.
- StrongYesh Atid MKs urge unity under Eisenkot, warn bloc at risk; Bennett does not rule out joining
- DevelopingCommentary: Bennett faces growing challenge closing gap with Eisenkot
- DevelopingBennett-Eisenkot rift called 'destructive' to the Israeli opposition's prospects
- DevelopingFriction within Bennett's 'Yachad' party as polls drop, sources say
Source and signal
- Internal intake