Bennett’s ‘Together’ Party Pushes Abraham Accords Expansion Ahead of Oct. 27 Vote

Key points

• Bennett’s 'Together' party polls at 15 Knesset seats, behind Gadi Eisenkot’s 23 and Netanyahu’s 21, but Bennett notes he previously became PM with only seven seats via coalition deals.
• The campaign pledges to revive the Negev Forum, expand Abraham Accords, and redirect 30 billion shekels to working families, alongside an eight-year term limit for PMs.
• Bennett advocates an 'Octopus Doctrine' for direct action against Iran and opposes Palestinian statehood, while promising to crack down on extremist settler violence in the West Bank.
• Trump endorsed Netanyahu on Oct. 18, but Bennett’s campaign claims Trump’s business-oriented worldview aligns with Bennett’s approach to regional diplomacy.
• A February 2026 Gallup survey showed 36% of Americans sympathize more with Israelis versus 41% with Palestinians, marking a significant shift from prior pro-Israel advantages.

Background

Bennett previously served as PM from June 2021 to June 2022, forming a broad coalition that ended Netanyahu’s 12-year rule. His government collapsed after 18 months, leading to accusations of broken promises. Recent archive coverage notes Israel-Morocco embassy upgrades and UAE-Israel security talks, reflecting ongoing Abraham Accords momentum despite regional tensions. Bennett’s 2021 coalition included right-wing, centrist, left-wing, and Arab parties, demonstrating his ability to build cross-ideological alliances despite his religious Zionist stance.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasizes Bennett’s alignment with Trump’s 'get stuff done' philosophy and his potential to revive regional diplomacy, while noting his right-wing positions on Gaza and Iran. The Jerusalem Post highlights Bennett’s focus on economic cooperation and his 'Service Law' for haredi citizens, arguing his inclusive approach unites diverse voters. JNS.org stresses the 'Together' party’s unity message and Lapid’s confidence in momentum, framing the election as a choice for 'proven professionals.' Critics like Danny Citrinowicz argue Bennett’s opposition to Palestinian statehood and support for settlement expansion contradict his diplomatic goals, while Fox notes Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu complicates Bennett’s US relations.

Why it matters

Bennett’s campaign could reshape Israel’s foreign policy by prioritizing economic partnerships over military confrontation, potentially expanding Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. His domestic proposals, including term limits and conscription reforms, address public frustration with political instability. However, his right-wing stance on Gaza and the West Bank may limit international support, as critics argue without policy shifts on Palestinian rights, diplomatic isolation will persist. The election outcome will determine whether Israel pursues Bennett’s economic diplomacy or Netanyahu’s continued security-focused approach.

What to watch

Israelis vote on October 27, 2026. Coalition negotiations will be critical, as Bennett’s 15-seat projection requires alliances to reach the 61-seat majority. Eisenkot’s 23 seats and Netanyahu’s 21 seats create a fragmented landscape. Bennett’s campaign expects to leverage undecided voters (26 seats worth) and his 2021 coalition-building experience. Post-election, Bennett aims to form a government within weeks, focusing on his 'Octopus Doctrine' for Iran and West Bank security crackdowns.