Yair Lapid Critiques Opposition Leaders for Abandoning Knesset Fight

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has publicly criticized fellow opposition heads Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Golan for abandoning the Knesset and leaving his party, Yesh Atid, to confront Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition alone. During a Zoom call with Yesh Atid leaders, Lapid addressed internal concerns regarding the perceived weakness of the opposition, questioning, “Where is the opposition indeed? Why are we the only ones who didn’t flee?” He specifically pointed out that Bennett is not currently a Knesset member, having left before the last elections, while Eisenkot joined Netanyahu's emergency wartime coalition during the Gaza conflict and later resigned over the Haredi draft evasion law. Golan, leading the left-wing Democrats party, is also not a Knesset member.

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Lapid's remarks highlight a growing frustration within the opposition ranks. He stated, “They are actually angry at those who stayed and fought instead of being angry at those who fled and disappeared.” He emphasized that Yesh Atid has been actively involved in various struggles, including issues related to regime changes and financial matters, urging critics to direct their complaints towards those who have left the political arena.

Times of Israel

In light of the upcoming parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for October at the latest, Lapid has urged Bennett and Eisenkot to cease public discussions about their electoral strategies and instead meet privately to organize their opposition efforts. Both Bennett and Eisenkot are expected to run their own political parties in the forthcoming elections. Lapid expressed his desire for collaboration, stating, “The right time will come, we will sit down, and agree on everything. Coffee is on me.”

Times of Israel

Recent polls indicate a competitive landscape for the anti-Netanyahu parties, with a Kan poll suggesting they could secure 59 seats, while Channel 12 and Channel 13 polls estimate 60 and 55 seats, respectively. Despite this potential, Yesh Atid's standing appears precarious, with a Channel 12 poll showing the party at just six seats, compared to Eisenkot's Yashar party at 13 and Bennett's party at 22.

Times of Israel

Lapid's criticisms have sparked discussions within the opposition, as he continues to advocate for a united front against Netanyahu's coalition. He has reiterated his commitment to fighting against what he describes as “the worst government in the state’s history,” while also calling for accountability among those who have distanced themselves from the Knesset.

Times of Israel

• “Our answer is: Where is the opposition indeed? Why are we the only ones who didn’t flee?” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader

Times of Israel

• “They are actually angry at those who stayed and fought instead of being angry at those who fled and disappeared,” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader

Times of Israel

• “The right time will come, we will sit down, and agree on everything.” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader

Times of Israel

As the political landscape evolves, the focus will remain on how the opposition leaders navigate their strategies leading up to the elections, and whether they can unify their efforts to challenge Netanyahu's coalition effectively.

Times of Israel