Success of Bennett-Lapid merger hinges on Eisenkot role in race
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications of the Bennett-Lapid merger for the upcoming 2026 elections and the role of Gadi Eisenkot.
Welcome 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 Karmal join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. 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. Karmel and Sokol discuss that Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot is not part of the campaign and list, given his own entry into the 2026 race, that his decisions will test the fortunes of the Bennett-Lapid bloc. Members of the Likud party and government coalition reacted 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 also discuss that the government 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…
People in this episode
Host: Jessica Steinberg
Guests: Sam Sokol, Ariela Karmal
Topics covered
- politics
- Israel elections
- Bennett-Lapid merger
- Gadi Eisenkot
- Likud party
- government coalition
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Likud, Yashar, The Times of Israel
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