In a recent televised interview, Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down, citing a loss of public trust and his preoccupation with minor matters and negative political tactics. Lapid’s call came during an appearance on Israel’s Channel 12 news, where he emphasized the critical need for a trustworthy government, especially in light of the ongoing conflict.
Lapid proposed the formation of a new coalition government. This proposed alliance would include the Likud party under a different leader, Yisrael Beytenu, various ultra-Orthodox parties, and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz, who is presently a member of Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet.
The discussion took a turn when Channel 12’s Yonit Levi reminded Lapid of his previous day’s statement on Army Radio, where he had expressed a reluctance to engage in political discussions while Israeli Defense Forces were engaged in war. Confronted with this apparent change in stance, Lapid appeared unsettled but reiterated the necessity for a government that commands the confidence of its citizens.
Lapid has consistently declined invitations to join Netanyahu’s administration and the war cabinet, formed six days into the war. His refusal stems from his reservations about figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whom he considers to be overly zealous.
The Likud party responded to Lapid’s assertions with criticism, expressing disappointment over his attempts to engage in political maneuvers during a time of war. They condemned his suggestion to replace the prime minister, who is currently leading the war efforts, with a government they believe would pave the way for a Palestinian state and hand over Gaza’s control to the Palestinian Authority.
This stance aligns with Lapid’s recent call for the Gaza Strip to be governed by the Palestinian Authority post-conflict, a position that has stirred debate within the political landscape.
