Yaron Levi from Yesh Atid in Talks to Join Likud Ahead of Elections

Yaron Levi, a Knesset member who recently left the Yesh Atid party, is reportedly in quiet discussions with senior Likud officials about joining their ranks. According to journalist Avi Solomon on Walla, Likud representatives have met with Levi to explore reserving him a spot on their candidate list for the upcoming elections. These talks follow Levi's controversial role in the State Comptroller election and his refusal to disclose his secret ballot vote, which stirred opposition uproar.

Levi's departure from Yesh Atid has led to severe internal repercussions. Party sources confirmed that since announcing his exit, Levi has been largely excluded from regular party activities, removed from official WhatsApp groups, and ousted from the Knesset Health Committee, where he was most active. Levi announced on May 4 that he would not run with Yesh Atid in the next term after 14 years with the party but intended to serve out his current term focusing on mental health and IDF veterans' rehabilitation.

The timing of Levi's resignation has drawn sharp criticism within Yesh Atid. Party members believe his announcement was strategically timed to undermine the joint political initiative launched by Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett, damaging Lapid's media momentum. Neither Levi nor Likud have issued official comments on the reports of the talks.

This development adds to the challenges facing Yair Lapid, as a prominent Yesh Atid MK appears poised to switch to the rival right-wing Likud party ahead of the next Knesset elections.