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). He accused the 127-year-old quasi-governmental body of corruption and political cronyism, which he believes alienates Jews in the Diaspora from Israel.
Accusations and Motivations
Lapid criticized Israel’s "national institutions" for prioritizing political interests over the public good. He called for the nationalization of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), which manages more than 13% of Israeli land.
Impact on Zionist Congress Negotiations
The withdrawal disrupted ongoing coalition talks at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, held every five years. Delegates had been working on power-sharing between Israeli political parties and major Diaspora Jewish groups.
Failed Leadership Arrangements
A draft agreement had slated Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen to chair the KKL-JNF. However, these plans fell through after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, was reportedly offered a senior WZO position.
“A system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.”
Lapid condemned this as nepotism and declared that his party would reject all positions and funding linked to Zionist institutions.
Author's Summary
Yesh Atid quit the World Zionist Organization amid allegations of corruption and nepotism, disrupting key coalition talks and demanding reform of Israel's national institutions.