Yesh Atid Withdraws from World Zionist Organization
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced that his centrist party, Yesh Atid, is pulling out of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), accusing the 127-year-old institution of corruption and political cronyism. Lapid claims that corruption within these national institutions is alienating Diaspora Jews from Israel.
Accusations and Demands
Lapid urged the nationalization of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), which manages over 13% of Israel’s land. He criticized the WZO for prioritizing political interests over the public good and highlighted nepotism as a growing problem.
Coalition Talks Disrupted
The announcement came amid sensitive coalition negotiations at the World Zionist Congress, a major event held every five years in Jerusalem that brings together political parties and Jewish groups worldwide.
According to reports, Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen was slated to chair the KKL-JNF. However, this deal collapsed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, was reportedly offered a senior WZO position. Lapid condemned this move as “a system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.”
“A system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.”
Following these events, Lapid stated that Yesh Atid would reject all posts and funding associated with the Zionist institutions.
Summary
Yair Lapid's withdrawal from the WZO highlights deep concerns over corruption and nepotism, signaling a significant rift within Israeli and Jewish communal politics.
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