image sourced from original article at Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid are reportedly in talks to form a new joint party called 'New Israel' ahead of the October elections. Representatives for the three politicians are discussing a potential merger as they seek to reshape the political landscape.
Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, first proposed a joint run earlier this year. Recent surveys show both Yashar and Bennett's prospective party performing strongly within the opposition, while Lapid's Yesh Atid has seen significant declines in projected support.
Polling indicates that a united list led by Bennett, Eisenkot and Lapid could win 38 seats, making it the largest faction in parliament. However, such a merger would not substantially alter the overall balance between the rival political blocs.
