Lapid Discusses BeYachad Alliance and Polls Ahead of Knesset Elections
Ahead of the October 27 Knesset elections, opposition leader Yair Lapid discussed his joint alliance BeYachad with Naftali Bennett, legal victories against social media slander, and recent polling showing a narrow lead for the change bloc.
Ahead of the upcoming 26th Knesset elections scheduled for October 27, political leaders have intensified their media appearances. Opposition Leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid recently joined forces with Naftali Bennett in a joint list named BeYachad, aiming to challenge the current government.
Interview Highlights and Personal Revelations
During an interview with local media, Lapid addressed various topics, including a bizarre social media rumor about his family. He recounted that malicious posts falsely claimed his wife, Lihi Lapid, was a Christian, featuring doctored images with crosses. After taking legal action, they were awarded 40,000 shekels in damages. When asked to share an unknown personal fact, Lapid smiled and told the camera, "I am not actually short."
The Structure of the BeYachad List
The BeYachad alliance brings together Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid. According to recent candidate arrangements, more than 10 of the top 24 spots are allocated to Yesh Atid, while the second decade of the list features a staggered 'zipper' arrangement of candidates from both factions. The top ten candidates include Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Keren Terner Eyal, Meirav Ben Ari, Liran Avishar Ben-Horin, Noam Tibon, Michal Negri, Eitan Ginzburg, Meirav Cohen, and Yonatan Shalit.
Initially, Bennett and Lapid invited Yashar! party leader Gadi Eisenkot to join their alliance, with Lapid offering to step down to the third spot. However, Eisenkot ultimately declined the invitation.
Latest Polling Data
Recent surveys conducted by major television networks indicate a narrow lead for the change bloc over the coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Channel 12's poll shows the change bloc securing 56 mandates compared to Netanyahu's bloc with 50. Channel 13 projects a 54 to 50 margin, while Kan News places the change bloc at 52 mandates against 50 for the right-wing bloc. Arab parties are polling at 14 mandates according to Israeli media and Channel 12, and 16 mandates in Israeli media's survey.
