MK Ram Ben Barak Disappointed with 12th Place on United List

Member of Knesset Ram Ben Barak from Yesh Atid expressed his dissatisfaction with being placed 12th on the joint list of the "Achva" party, formed by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid. Ben Barak stated that while he accepts the position, he would not be credible if he claimed to be happy with it, emphasizing that "the goal is more important than the person." He dismissed reports of tension with Lapid, calling claims of revenge "not true" and "without a shred of truth."

Ben Barak described the departure of party members as "a stab in the heart" but acknowledged that difficult decisions were necessary due to limited space on the list. He stressed the importance of looking ahead to younger MKs who will continue in the coming years. The lawmaker reiterated that his placement is less important than the party's objective to remove the current government and establish a competent, ethical, and uncorrupt administration.

Regarding a potential merger with Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar" party, Ben Barak admitted he was previously in favor but now believes it could diminish the "change bloc." He argued that both "Achva" and "Yashar" are strong parties likely to pass the electoral threshold independently, suggesting they should unite after the elections rather than before. He added that if "Yashar" were to emerge as the largest party, any decision on recommending Eisenkot for prime minister would be made by consensus, though he believes Bennett and Lapid are the most suitable candidates for the premiership.

The joint list agreement allocates approximately 40% of the spots to Yesh Atid members. Bennett is listed first, followed by Lapid. Prominent figures from Bennett's party and senior Yesh Atid members are placed within the top ten positions, with Ben Barak, Noar Shiri, and Vladimir Belyak from Yesh Atid securing spots in the second ten.