Yesh Atid Withdraws from World Zionist Organization
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced that his centrist party, Yesh Atid, is leaving the World Zionist Organization (WZO), accusing the 127-year-old quasi-governmental body of corruption and political favoritism.
Accusations and Motivations
Lapid criticized Israel’s “national institutions” for prioritizing political interests over the public good, claiming corruption is driving Diaspora Jews away from Israel. He pledged to advocate for the nationalization of the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael), which manages more than 13% of Israel’s land.
Impact on World Zionist Congress
This decision disrupted weeks of sensitive coalition negotiations at the World Zionist Congress, a global forum held every five years in Jerusalem. Delegates had been working towards a power-sharing agreement among Israeli political parties and major Diaspora Jewish organizations.
Details of the Controversy
- Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen was slated to chair the KKL-JNF under the draft agreement.
- Plans fell apart after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, was reportedly offered a senior role at the WZO.
- Lapid condemned the move as nepotism and described it as “a system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.”
Lapid said his party would “refuse all positions and funding tied to the Zionist institutions.”
Summary: Yesh Atid’s exit highlights deep concerns over corruption and nepotism within Israeli national institutions, signaling increasing tensions in Jewish political frameworks.