Yesh Atid Quits 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), citing corruption and political favoritism within the long-standing institution.
“Corruption and nepotism are driving Diaspora Jews away from Israel,” said Lapid, adding that he would push to nationalize Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), which manages more than 13% of Israel’s territory.
The WZO, a 127-year-old body connecting Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, has recently been criticized for serving political rather than public interests. Lapid accused it of turning into a “system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family.”
The withdrawal interrupted delicate coalition negotiations at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, held every five years. Delegates had been working on a power-sharing arrangement between Israeli political parties and major Diaspora Jewish organizations.
According to reports, Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen was expected to head the KKL-JNF under a preliminary pact. However, those plans collapsed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, was offered a senior WZO position, which Lapid condemned as proof of entrenched cronyism.
Author’s Summary
Lapid’s move signals deep frustration with political patronage in Israel’s Zionist institutions, challenging their credibility and relations with Jewish communities abroad.