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

Opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Tuesday that the B'Yachad party, an alliance with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, will prioritize LGBTQ+ marriage rights and civil marriage if it joins the next government. Lapid stated that the party aims to pass legislation within the first 100 days to ensure equal rights for all couples in Israel, addressing the current religious status quo that limits marriage options. "In the State of Israel, there should be a parallel civil marriage option for anyone who wants it," Lapid said. Bennett, while maintaining right-wing views on security, has adopted more liberal stances on social issues and has indicated he would not form a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, advocating for an end to state funding for those evading military service.