Yesh Atid Quits World Zionist Organization Over Corruption Claims
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced that his centrist Yesh Atid party will withdraw from the World Zionist Organization (WZO), alleging systemic corruption and political favoritism within the 127-year-old institution.
“Corruption is driving Diaspora Jews away from Israel,” said Lapid, explaining that his party can no longer participate in organizations serving political interests instead of the public good.
Lapid also declared his intention to promote the nationalization of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), which owns more than 13% of Israel’s land. He argued that these national institutions have become tools for political deals rather than instruments of national unity.
The decision disrupted ongoing coalition negotiations at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, a global assembly that meets every five years. Delegates had been finalizing a power-sharing arrangement among Israeli political factions and key Jewish organizations from the Diaspora.
According to reports, Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen was expected to lead the KKL-JNF under the draft agreement. Those plans collapsed after reports suggested that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, was offered a senior post within the WZO.
Lapid criticized the move as “a system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family,” stating that Yesh Atid would reject all positions and funding connected to Zionist institutions.
Author’s Summary
Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party left the WZO, citing entrenched corruption and nepotism, and calling for nationalizing KKL-JNF to serve Israel’s public rather than political elites.