Bennett Announces First Members of New Party

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett announced the first two members of his party slate on Sunday, as he prepares for elections expected to take place by October.

The two candidates are Keren Terner, a former director-general of both the Finance and Transportation ministries, and Liran Avisar Ben Horin, former director-general of the Communications Ministry. Both left their government roles following disagreements with ministers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and have since moved to positions in the private sector.

The announcement marks the first time Bennett has publicly revealed names from his new political list, tentatively known as “Bennett 2026,” which polls have consistently shown as a leading force within the Zionist opposition bloc.

Bennett described the two as senior, experienced public servants with strong managerial backgrounds. “Keren and Liran are among the most professional and experienced women in management in Israel,” he said, adding that both have a deep commitment to the country and its citizens.

Terner previously served as director-general of the Finance Ministry under then-minister Israel Katz but resigned after a short tenure, citing serious concerns about decision-making processes. She had earlier held the same role at the Transportation Ministry. Following her departure from public service, she joined the private sector, including roles in investment and venture capital.

Avisar Ben Horin was appointed director-general of the Communications Ministry and served under ministers Yoaz Hendel and later Shlomo Karhi. She later described her time in office as marked by instability and internal challenges. After leaving government, she joined a private infrastructure investment fund and is considered one of the founding figures of Bennett’s new political framework.

Both candidates framed their return to public life as part of a broader effort to reform state institutions. Terner said recent years had exposed weaknesses in public service systems, while Avisar Ben Horin pointed to ongoing work with Bennett on policy planning across multiple sectors.

Bennett, positioning himself as a challenger to Netanyahu, said the new slate would focus on governance and rapid reform, arguing that Israel “is stuck and not being managed,” and that his team is prepared to take office and implement changes immediately.