A newly announced political alliance between former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid may signal unity on the surface, but reports indicate that tensions between the two leaders have not fully subsided.

According to a report aired Thursday by Channel 12 News, Bennett privately criticized Lapid shortly before the partnership was made public, allegedly referring to him in harsh terms during internal discussions.

The report said Bennett told close associates he had serious reservations about joining forces, warning that “Lapid is toxic, toxic, toxic.” He was also said to be concerned that aligning with Lapid could distance him from right-wing voters he hopes to attract.

In response, representatives of the newly formed Together party dismissed the claims and emphasized the strength of the joint list, arguing that it has already become the largest political faction in the country while labeling the current coalition as the only “toxic” factor.

Bennett and Lapid officially unveiled their combined slate on Sunday, announcing that they would run as a unified list headed by Bennett.

Their joint statement framed the move as part of a larger initiative to “repairing the State of Israel,” describing the alliance as an effort to bring together political forces and reduce divisions within their camp.

The announcement also said the merger is intended to streamline campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming elections, with the aim of securing victory and advancing political change.

It further noted that the partnership is meant to reinforce what it called the “bloc of repair,” presenting a consolidated political front designed to operate cohesively in both public and political spheres.

{Matzav.com}