Yesh Atid quits World Zionist Organization, citing corruption and political cronyism - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Yesh Atid Quits World Zionist Organization, Citing Corruption and Political Cronyism

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced that his centrist party Yesh Atid is withdrawing from the World Zionist Organization, alleging deep-rooted corruption and political favoritism within the 127-year-old body.

“Corruption is driving Diaspora Jews away from Israel,”

said Lapid, explaining his decision to also push for the nationalization of the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund, which manages more than 13% of Israel’s land.

The announcement disrupted weeks of careful negotiations at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, a global gathering held every five years. Delegates from Israel’s political factions and major Diaspora organizations had been finalizing a power-sharing arrangement.

Under a proposed deal, Yesh Atid member Meir Cohen was to lead the KKL-JNF. Those plans fell apart after reports emerged that Yair Netanyahu, the prime minister’s son, had been offered a senior role within the WZO.

Lapid condemned the development as “a system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.”

He confirmed that Yesh Atid would decline all positions and funding related to the Zionist institutions.

Author’s Summary

Yair Lapid withdraws Yesh Atid from the World Zionist Organization, accusing it of corruption and nepotism, and calls for nationalizing Israel’s Jewish National Fund.

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Jewish Telegraphic Agency Jewish Telegraphic Agency — 2025-11-06

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