B'Yachad party will pursue LGBTQ marriage rights if part of next government, Lapid vows

The B’Yachad party will be committed to ensuring equal rights for the LGBTQ community and enabling civil marriage if it joins the next government, opposition leader Yair Lapid, who holds the second slot on former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s party slate, told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.

The B’Yachad party was formed from an alliance between Bennett and Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid Party. It is one of the leading parties in the opposition bloc seeking to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the October elections.

Lapid said Tuesday that B’Yachad would seek to pass legislation within the first 100 days of the next government guaranteeing equal rights for every couple in Israel.

Civil marriage is not performed in Israel, as the religious status quo in the country dictates that Jews can only marry and divorce through the rabbinate.

This prevents same-sex couples from legally marrying in the country. As a result, many couples travel abroad to marry in civil ceremonies, which are later legally recognized upon their return and grant them marital rights.

“My eldest son got married in a Jewish wedding, with the Seven Blessings, the breaking of the glass and a prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, but not through the Chief Rabbinate,” Lapid told the Post.

“He is no less Jewish, he is no less married, and my granddaughter is no less Israeli than anyone else."

"In the State of Israel, there should be a parallel civil marriage option for anyone who wants it," he said.

“As a liberal party, we are committed to equal rights for everyone. Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community must end, and we will make sure of it,” Lapid added.

Bennett shifting towards liberal stances, maintains right-wing view on security

Bennett has shifted from his stance in past campaigns, taking a more liberal position while maintaining a strong right-wing stance on security.

Bennett said that during his time away from the political scene after being prime minister in 2021, he consulted experts to prepare a comprehensive plan for the country’s future, which includes the establishment of a written constitution, raising competition in the market to lower the cost of living, improving transportation, cutting down the crime rates, and investing in AI to advance the country’s technology and defense.

The former prime minister has also said he would not form a coalition with the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties, calling for cutting all state funding for anyone evading military service and reversing contentious haredi-backed legislation passed by the outgoing government.