Yesh Atid Unveils Knesset List with New Faces, Key Departures

Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid has released the top 15 candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections, running under the "Achva" (Together) slate headed by Naftali Bennett. Former IDF Major General Noam Tibon, who previously commanded the Northern Command and the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, will take the third spot on the list. MK Merav Ben Ari, currently the coordinator of opposition factions in the Knesset, is positioned second.

The list also features former Minister of Social Equality Merav Cohen at number four, and former Deputy Director of the Mossad and ex-chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Ram Ben Barak, rounding out the top five. This announcement follows a wave of departures from Yesh Atid, with several incumbent Knesset members, including former Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy and former Minister Meir Cohen, announcing they will not seek re-election.

Lapid expressed confidence in his new slate, describing them as experienced, tough, and action-oriented individuals essential for "fixing the country." He highlighted the recent period as a demonstration of strength and the party's ability to reinvent itself for future leadership. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett praised Lapid as a brave, compassionate, and tenacious fighter who has assembled a "magnificent team" capable of challenging the current government.

Notable departures include MK Michal Shir, who stated her public service would continue in different capacities, and MK Karin Elharrar, who after 14 years in the Knesset and government, will not run but intends to participate in the election campaign. MKs Debi Biton and Tatiana Mazursky also announced they would not be running. Former Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy will reportedly serve as the party's tribunal chairman, while former Minister Meir Cohen is expected to become chairman and president of the Yesh Atid conference.