Centrist Israeli Party Quits World Zionist Organization Citing Corruption and Political Cronyism
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced that his centrist Yesh Atid party is withdrawing from the World Zionist Organization (WZO), accusing the 127-year-old quasi-governmental body of corruption and political patronage.
Lapid criticized Israel’s “national institutions” for prioritizing political interests over the public good, warning that such corruption is alienating Jews in the Diaspora from Israel. He vowed to push for the nationalization of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (JNF), which manages more than 13% of Israel’s land.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said: "Corruption is pushing Diaspora Jews away from Israel."
This decision disrupted weeks of sensitive coalition discussions at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, a major event held once every five years. Delegates from Israel and major Diaspora Jewish groups had been negotiating a power-sharing agreement among Israel’s political factions and global Jewish organizations.
The withdrawal marks an unprecedented censure of the WZO by a major Israeli political party, underscoring deep frustrations with entrenched political favoritism within longstanding Zionist institutions.
Context of the World Zionist Congress
- The World Zionist Congress convenes every five years in Jerusalem.
- It assembles delegates representing Israeli parties and Jewish groups worldwide.
- Its agenda often includes negotiations on shared governance and resource management.
“The move derailed weeks of delicate coalition talks at the World Zionist Congress,” reported Asaf Elia-Shalev, November 5, 2025.
Lapid’s challenge to the WZO’s management and his call for JNF nationalization highlight growing demands for reform within Israel’s national and diaspora institutions.
Author’s summary: Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party withdraws from the World Zionist Organization, condemning corruption and political favoritism, and calls for nationalizing the Jewish National Fund to restore trust with the Diaspora.