Bennett-Lapid Union Weakens as Gadi Eisenkot's Yisra Party Gains Strength

The political alliance between Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, formed to create a leading centrist bloc opposing Netanyahu, is showing unexpected results. According to an analysis by Dr. Menachem Lazar published on Maariv's website, the united party "Together" is weakening in polls, with voters shifting not to the opposition bloc but to the "Yisra" party led by Gadi Eisenkot.

Before the formation of "Together," Bennett's party averaged 24 Knesset seats in Maariv polls, while Lapid's Yesh Atid held about seven seats, combining for a total of 31. Meanwhile, Eisenkot's "Yisra" party was at 13 seats but has since grown steadily, reaching 23 seats in the latest poll, a gain of 10 seats that nearly matches the losses of "Together."

The analysis reveals a complex voter movement, with some votes dispersing to other parties within the opposition camp and some coming from different sources. Early June polls showed strong loyalty to "Together," with 67% of Bennett's voters and 65% of Lapid's voters remaining with the alliance. However, by July 24, only 10 of Bennett's original 24 seats remained with "Together," while eight shifted to Eisenkot's "Yisra," and the rest scattered among other opposition parties.

Overall, the alliance did not attract votes away from Netanyahu's bloc but weakened the original voter loyalty and redistributed power within the anti-Netanyahu camp.