Centrist Israeli Party Leaves World Zionist Organization, Citing Corruption
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on November 5, 2025, that his centrist Yesh Atid party is withdrawing from the World Zionist Organization (WZO). He accused the 127-year-old quasi-governmental institution of corruption and political favoritism, asserting that these issues are alienating Diaspora Jews from Israel.
Accusations Against National Institutions
Lapid criticized Israel’s “national institutions” for prioritizing political interests over the public good. He emphasized the need to reform these bodies to better serve the Jewish community worldwide.
Nationalization of the Jewish National Fund
He also declared plans to nationalize Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (JNF), which manages more than 13% of Israel’s land. Lapid views this move as essential to curbing corrupt practices and ensuring land management aligns with public interests.
Impact on Zionist Congress Negotiations
This decision disrupted weeks of sensitive coalition talks at the World Zionist Congress, a global assembly held every five years in Jerusalem. Delegates from Israel and the Diaspora had been negotiating power-sharing arrangements between Israeli political parties and major Jewish organizations abroad.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid speaks at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Tel Aviv on April 24, 2023. Courtesy of JFNA/Amnon Gutman
The announcement marks a rare and notable break in cooperation between an Israeli political party and the WZO, underscoring growing tensions over governance and accountability within Jewish national institutions.
Additional Information
- The World Zionist Organization has operated for over a century as a central framework for global Jewish engagement with Israel.
- The Jewish National Fund holds a significant portion of Israeli land, making its control a critical issue in national policy.
- Lapid’s move reflects increasing scrutiny on how these institutions are run and whom they truly serve.
Author’s summary: Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party withdrew from the World Zionist Organization, condemning corruption and political cronyism, and called for nationalizing the Jewish National Fund to protect Israel’s public interest.