Bennett and Lapid Unite to Form New Political Party 'Achieved'

Former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have joined forces to establish a new political party named "Achieved" (Bihiad) ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, formed in April 2026. The party's list is headed by Bennett, followed by Lapid, and includes representatives from both their former parties, such as Keren Turner, Meirav Ben Ari, and Noam Tibon.

"Achieved" advocates for a shift from a policy of containment to one of decisive action in security matters, proposing to strengthen the IDF with 20,000 additional soldiers, combat organized crime as a security threat, and expand the use of AI technologies. Bennett stated in August 2026 that AI capabilities would soon be more critical than nuclear weapons.

Economically, the party aims to increase competition and dismantle monopolies, particularly in the food sector, to lower grocery prices. They also propose reducing the number of government ministries and managing the public sector more efficiently. Regarding national service, "Achieved" suggests mandatory service for all young men and women, linking service to public benefits and funding through unique legislation. Bennett previously expressed that individuals who do not serve or work should not receive state funding, and the party plans to recruit Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) extensively.

In education and religion, the party proposes full public funding for educational institutions only if they teach core curriculum subjects. They view the state education system as a common foundation for all streams, including religious and Haredi education, by establishing a unified oversight body within the Ministry of Education. The party also supports advancing equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community by enacting "Sagi Laws," which would create an egalitarian civil path for registering partnerships, allow all family types to register parentage, and legally prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. They also plan to ban conversion therapy and strengthen the safety net for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.

The party's roots trace back to the "Government of Change" formed in 2021 by Bennett and Lapid, which included eight factions and was the first to have an Arab party, Ra'am, in the coalition. This government successfully passed a state budget for 2021-2022 and implemented reforms in various sectors. The government dissolved in June 2022 when Bennett and Lapid decided to disperse the Knesset, leading to Lapid becoming Prime Minister.

Bennett announced in September 2026 that upon the government's swearing-in, a state commission of inquiry would be established for the events of October 7th. Lapid remarked at the same event that if the country was in a much better state under Bennett's premiership, then Bennett should be Prime Minister.