Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWelcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Political correspondents Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmel join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.
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Sokol reports on the Sunday announcement of a joint campaign and list for former prime minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid ahead of the 2026 elections, under Bennett’s stewardship.
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Karmel and Sokol speak about how Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot is not part of the campaign and list, given his own entry into the 2026 race, and how his decisions will test the fortunes of the Bennett-Lapid alliance.
Members of the Likud party and government coalition reacted critically to the announcement, reports Sokol, and he and Karmel discuss the possible Likud B breakaway party that would offer an alternative right-wing option.
Karmel and Sokol note that the coalition is dismissive of the Bennett-Lapid merger, reviewing the comments and memes immediately circulated about the two politicians and their announcement.
Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.
For further reading:
Launching joint slate, Bennett and Lapid promise ‘the era of division is over’
Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announce united run under Bennett in 2026 elections
Bennett-Lapid reunion jolts electoral race, but path to unseating Netanyahu elusive as ever
Eisenkot welcomes Bennett-Lapid union but says: To win, we need to bring in more votes
Backing public transit on Shabbat, Bennett steers campaign into jammed center lane
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.
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