Michael Shemesh: Bennett Would Weaken Further if He Splits From Lapid

Political correspondent Michael Shemesh said Monday morning that former prime minister Naftali Bennett would likely suffer another drop in the polls if he moves ahead with breaking up his alliance with Yair Lapid.

Shemesh reported Sunday night that Bennett has been examining the possibility of dismantling the joint political framework following a decline in recent surveys.

Speaking to Galei Israel on Monday morning, Shemesh said he does not believe such a move has much practical likelihood.

“It is not as if, if they separate now, Bennett suddenly jumps in the polls,” Shemesh said. “It is clear to everyone that not only will he not jump, he will weaken even more.”

At the same time, Shemesh said the fact that the option is even being checked and discussed reflects internal problems inside Bennett’s political camp.

“The very fact that they are checking this at all, talking about it and discussing it, says something about what is happening inside the party,” he said. “There are disagreements and clashes there between the campaign managers.”

Following the report about the possible breakup, Bennett denied that the move was being seriously considered.

“This has not been on the table,” Bennett said. “The only way to win is a united bloc. Splits have led to defeat.”

Bennett also argued that the bloc needs a right-wing figure at its head in order to win.

“In addition, every time someone from the center is placed at the top, we lose,” he said. “Therefore, placing a man of the right is the correct path.”

The comments come as Bennett’s alliance with Lapid continues to face pressure after losing momentum in the polls, while Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party has gained strength and challenged Bennett’s position as the leading figure in the anti-Netanyahu bloc.