Success of Bennett-Lapid merger hinges on Eisenkot role in race

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 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. IMAGE: Political correspondents Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.