Israeli Doubts About the Ability of the Bennett-Lapid Alliance to End the Netanyahu Era

The announcement by former occupation government head, Naftali Bennett, of the launch of his new political party has sparked a wave of questions within Israeli political circles. This move comes as part of Bennett's efforts to return to the political scene and lead a front primarily aimed at ousting Benjamin Netanyahu from power.

Observers believe that Bennett's recent moves may serve his personal ambitions in confronting his rivals within the opposition camp, specifically Gadi Eisenkot. However, there are fears that this strategy could weaken the overall opposition's ability to attract new voting blocs from outside its traditional bases.

In recent statements, Bennett emphasized his right-wing identity, considering that the coalition led by Netanyahu with Deri and Smotrich does not represent the true right. Bennett claims to lead what he described as the 'Zionist Right,' asserting that Netanyahu's defeat can only be achieved through a strong right-wing alternative.

Bennett's political thesis is based on the necessity of giving the center-left priority in overthrowing the ruling bloc, believing that change requires different thinking from prevailing patterns. However, this vision clashes with the reality of his close alliance with Yair Lapid, leader of the 'Yesh Atid' party, which raises suspicion among right-wing voters.

Reports indicate that the alliance between Bennett and Lapid could lead to counterproductive results, as some fear the alienation of moderate liberal right-wing voters. Right-wing supporters raise serious questions about the ability of this joint party to convince them to vote for it given the existing ideological contradictions.

Strategically, the opposition was supposed to work in parallel tracks to attract those dissatisfied with the current government. The perception leaned towards an alliance between Bennett and Liberman to attract the right, while Lapid and Eisenkot would strengthen the center base, and Yair Golan would gather left-wing votes.

However, Bennett's recent move may give him immediate gains by acquiring the 'Yesh Atid' voter base and its massive financial resources. Lapid's party currently holds 24 seats in the Knesset, representing a political weight that Bennett seeks to leverage in his favor in the upcoming election battle.

In contrast, Yair Lapid finds himself in a position where he needs to maintain his political entity amidst declining popularity in recent polls. This new alliance opens offensive fronts for Netanyahu, who will strive to portray Bennett as a tool in the hands of the left to alienate right-wing voters from him.

Concerns arise among some voters about the ambiguity of Bennett's future positions, with some wondering if he will rejoin Netanyahu after the elections. These doubts are reinforced by conflicting statements about Bennett's ability to withstand the temptations of returning to a traditional right-wing coalition under political pressure.

Bennett claims that the majority of the Israeli public has aligned with right-wing positions, especially in security and political aspects during the war. However, he faces criticism for not providing clear answers on issues of Jewish identity, economy, and judiciary, which are matters that concern the contemporary right-wing voter.

The real test of Bennett's credibility remains his relationship with his former partner, Ayelet Shaked, who has begun to distance herself from his new political path. Center-left voters view Shaked with great suspicion, while right-wingers see her as a figure who has lost her ability to influence after the 'government of change' experience.

In the last elections, Shaked garnered over 56,000 votes, a voting bloc that Bennett fears losing entirely. These voters represent a segment that refused to vote for Netanyahu and Smotrich but still cling to their right-wing roots, which may not find a place in the Bennett-Lapid alliance.

Analysts believe that the absence of genuine representation for figures like Shaked within the new party may close the door to the return of 'soft' right-wing voters. While Lapid enters the alliance through the front door, traditional right-wing leaders find themselves marginalized or outside Bennett's electoral calculations.

Political readings concluded that Bennett's failure to attract the minimum of Shaked's former base will inevitably mean his failure to represent the right. Despite his supporters' claims of having a solid base of former coalition voters, field movements indicate the difficulty of penetrating Netanyahu's camp at present.

Only the right can defeat Netanyahu, and the current coalition does not represent the true Zionist Right.