Yesh Atid Leaves World Zionist Organization Over Corruption Claims
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 favoritism. This unprecedented move criticizes the WZO for serving political interests instead of the public good.
Lapid expressed concern that such corruption alienates Diaspora Jews from Israel. He also declared his intent to nationalize the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), which manages over 13% of Israel’s land.
Impact on World Zionist Congress and Coalition Talks
The resignation disrupted delicate coalition negotiations at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, a global assembly held every five years, where delegates from Israel and major Diaspora Jewish groups were discussing power-sharing arrangements.
Collapse of Leadership Plans
- Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen was expected to lead the KKL-JNF under the draft agreement.
- Those plans failed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, allegedly received an offer for a senior WZO position.
- Lapid condemned this as nepotism, calling it “a system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.”
“A system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.” — Yair Lapid
Lapid confirmed his party would reject all positions and funding associated with the Zionist institutions, cementing their break from the WZO.
Summary
Yesh Atid’s departure underscores deep concerns about corruption and nepotism within Israel’s Zionist institutions, signaling potential shifts in Diaspora-Israel relations and internal political dynamics.
“Corruption was pushing Diaspora Jews away from Israel.” — Yair Lapid
Author’s summary: Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid exits the World Zionist Organization, citing entrenched corruption and nepotism that undermine trust and hinder unified leadership in Israeli and Diaspora Jewish affairs.