Bennett Declares Netanyahu Defeated, Vows to Form New Government

Naftali Bennett, leader of the Together party, declared that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had lost the election and that the "October 7th government" would be dismissed. Speaking at his party's headquarters in Tel Aviv, Bennett stated that the "evasion coalition" had fallen from 68 to 50 seats, contrasting it with a "servants' alliance" that he claimed had won. He emphasized the need to await final results but confirmed that leaders of the "change bloc" were already in contact and coordinating efforts to form a "Zionist servants' alliance" government focused on responsible governance.

Bennett rallied his supporters, urging them to "lift their heads" and highlighting the strength and resilience of the Israeli people. He pledged that the "enormous price" paid by Israel in the recent war would not be in vain and promised to unite the nation internally while remaining strong against external enemies. He thanked his wife Gilaat, his family, and his political partner Yair Lapid, whom he praised as a "leader, Israeli patriot, and true friend."

Following Bennett, opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the crowd, proclaiming that Israel had "saved itself" and that Netanyahu and his government had suffered a "complete defeat." Lapid asserted that the bloc that received more votes had won and had the duty to form a government. He acknowledged that forming a new government might be complex but stressed the clear mission to establish a "Zionist government," which could be refined and expanded over time.

Lapid also lauded Bennett, expressing pride in their partnership, which he described as being built on trust and friendship. He shared a personal moment from election day, noting his granddaughter Naomi and his mother Shulamit, symbolizing the "future and the past coming to save the present." Lapid outlined the significant challenges ahead for the next government, ranging from international relations to domestic issues like equality in burden-sharing and conscription.

Earlier, after the initial exit polls were released, Lapid had stated that Netanyahu's bloc had suffered a "hard defeat" and a "complete collapse," with the public telling them to "go home." Bennett and Lapid joined forces to form the Together party in April, uniting their previous parties. Bennett's return to politics and his alliance with parties from the "change bloc," particularly Ra'am, had drawn criticism from the right.