Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reportedly dismissed the idea of joining forces with Opposition Leader Yair Lapid just days before the two unveiled their new political alliance.

According to a Channel 12 report citing multiple sources, Bennett told associates in private meetings that partnering with Lapid alone would be a strategic mistake, reportedly saying, “Lapid is toxic, toxic, toxic.”

Bennett allegedly warned that such an alliance would drive away right-wing voters instead of attracting them.

Despite the reported comments, the two later announced the formation of their joint slate, “Together,” which recent polls show emerging as Israel’s largest party.

In response to the report, the Together party argued that the real “toxic” force in Israeli politics is Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s coalition, accusing it of deepening divisions and advancing draft exemptions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)