Bennett, Lapid pledge to strengthen Israel-Diaspora ties if they’re part of next government

Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, running together in the B'Yachad party, released a plan to prioritize Israel-Diaspora relations if they join the next government. Key proposals include moving Diaspora affairs to the Foreign Ministry, allowing Diaspora Jews to elect a non-voting Knesset observer, and ensuring respect for all Jewish streams at the Western Wall. The plan is a direct challenge to Prime Minister Netanyahu's record on Diaspora ties ahead of the October 27 election.

Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, running together in the B'Yachad party, have released a detailed working plan to make Israel-Diaspora relations a top priority if they join the next government after the October 27 election. The plan, shared with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), proposes transferring responsibility for Diaspora affairs from the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a move Lapid says is meant to professionalize the relationship. A central proposal is the election by Diaspora Jewry of a non-voting observer to the Knesset, who would join relevant parliamentary committees. The plan also commits to ensuring all streams of Judaism are treated with respect at the Western Wall, a direct challenge to the outgoing government's legislation that would criminalize non-Orthodox prayer there. Lapid told JTA the relationship with world Jewry is a 'moral imperative' and that the ministry is often used as a 'bargaining chip' for politicians. The plan includes an educational program on Diaspora communities, a National Authority for Combating Antisemitism, and making Hebrew accessible globally. It comes amid polls showing slipping support for Israel among Diaspora Jews, particularly younger American Jews. The plan was developed by B'Yachad MK Michal Slawny Cababia.