Bennett Unveils Candidates for Joint List Ahead of Israeli Elections

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett revealed on Sunday the candidates selected by his Beyahad party for the upcoming Israeli legislative elections. Beyahad is part of an alliance formed with Yesh Atid, the centrist party led by Yair Lapid. The final composition of their joint list was to be presented Sunday evening at an event in Tel Aviv, following an agreement on the placement of candidates from both parties. Naftali Bennett is slated to take the top spot on the list, followed by Yair Lapid.

Yesh Atid had presented its own candidate selection on Saturday evening. Following Bennett and Lapid, several women who have held senior administrative positions are expected to be placed in prominent spots. Among those chosen by Bennett are Keren Terner, former Director General of the Ministry of Communications, and Liran Avisar Ben Horin, who led the Ministries of Finance and Transportation. From Yesh Atid, MK Meirav Ben-Ari, the opposition coordinator in the Knesset, holds a significant position in Lapid's selection, though her final rank on the joint list is still to be confirmed.

Beyahad noted that nine of its candidates are currently serving as reservists. Yonathan Shalev, 23, is also among Bennett's selected candidates; if elected, he could become the youngest Member of Knesset in Israeli history. Shalev stated his intention to represent his generation and contribute to the country's reconstruction following the October 7 Hamas attack.

"After extensive work and a demanding selection process, we are presenting today the best team to repair the State of Israel," Bennett declared. He described the list as "the best and most effective" proposed for the Knesset in a generation, emphasizing its capacity for rapid, high-level work. Israeli parties have until Tuesday to finalize alliances and submit their lists.