Yesh Atid Withdraws From World Zionist Organization Over Corruption Allegations
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced that his centrist Yesh Atid party is leaving the World Zionist Organization (WZO), accusing the 127-year-old quasi-governmental body of corruption and political cronyism. He argued that such corruption damages the relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.
Criticism of National Institutions
Lapid criticized Israel’s "national institutions" for prioritizing political interests above the public good. He emphasized his intention to nationalize the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, KKL-JNF), which owns over 13% of Israeli land.
Impact on World Zionist Congress Negotiations
The announcement interrupted delicate coalition talks at the World Zionist Congress, a global assembly held every five years in Jerusalem. Delegates from Israel’s political parties and major Diaspora Jewish organizations had been seeking a power-sharing agreement.
- Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen was due to chair KKL-JNF under the draft deal.
- Plans collapsed after Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was reportedly offered a senior WZO position.
“A system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family,” Lapid said, condemning what he described as nepotism.
He also stated that Yesh Atid would reject any positions or funding linked to Zionist institutions.
Author’s Summary
The Yesh Atid party’s withdrawal from the WZO highlights deep concerns about corruption and nepotism, signaling fractures between Israeli politics and global Jewish institutions.