Netanyahu's rivals join forces

Two of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's most formidable political rivals, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, have announced they are joining forces.

The merger aims to create a single opposition faction ahead of the upcoming general election.

Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog has offered to mediate a settlement in Netanyahu's ongoing corruption case to avoid further political paralysis.

The move comes as the Israeli government faces intense pressure over its conduct in the war in Iran and domestic civil unrest.