Yair Lapid

With new players and old alliances, Israel’s post-October 7 political map takes shape

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Two significant political developments played out this week as Israel moves towards elections. Gadi Eisenkot and Yonatan Shamriz took the reflectors with key announcements.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett seen with Gadi Eisenkot during a march in support of the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the IDF, from the entrance of Jerusalem to the Knesset, January 15, 2026
Opposition head Yair Lapid arrives for a court hearing at the Supreme Court on a petition against the transfer of funds to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, January 8, 2026

Israel's Opposition hits 61 seat majority for first time in months - poll

Members of the Arab community in Israel protest against the violence in their community, in Sakhnin, northern Israel, January 22, 2026.

Thousands protest rising crime in Arab sector, Ben-Gvir accuses leaders of 'fueling violence'

Gadi Eisenkot and Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid seen on November 1, 2025

Could Bennett, Lapid, and Eisenkot topple Netanyahu in Israel's next election? - analysis


Israel's leaders reignite the fight over faith, service, and statehood as early elections emerge

Smotrich, Liberman, Gantz, Lapid, and Golan laid out competing visions for Israel’s future as fiscal and political strains fuel talk of elections early next year.

Yair Lapid speaks at a Knesset meeting during the first week of the Israeli Parliament's winter session, October 27, 2025

Lapid slams haredi conscription law as Knesset debate heats up

Opposition leader Yair Lapid challenges the haredi draft law, proposing a ban on draft evaders from voting as Knesset debates intensify.

Yair Lapid speaking at a press conference October 27th, 2025

Netanyahu's coalition weakens by two in Knesset, sits at just 50 seats - poll

The weakening of the coalition bloc is primarily due to the Religious Zionism party falling short of the electoral threshold.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen in the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 20, 2025

'He does not represent us': Israeli politicians slam Smotrich after Saudi insult

"To our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, Smotrich does not represent the State of Israel," Opposition head Yair Lapid wrote in Arabic on X/Twitter.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a committee meeting on September 14, 2025.

Campaign season begins as Knesset winter session opens – analysis

While the government should last until 2026, few believe that it will last that long.

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Knesset plenum on October 20, 2025.

Lapid: Only Egyptian control of Gaza can stop Hamas from returning to power

“The only way to prevent Hamas from reasserting control over Gaza is to bring Egypt in properly, to lead the management of Gaza," Lapid said.

Yair Lapid speaks at the Knesset plenum on October 20, 2025.

'The hostages are back! It feels so good to say it,' Trump says during Knesset speech

The "cruelty of October 7 struck the heart of humanity," and the US mourned alongside Israel, Trump said, adding that "Because of us, the long and painful nightmare is finally over."

US President Donald Trump addresses the Knesset plenum, October 13, 2025.

Opposition heads unite to discuss toppling Netanyahu gov’t, backing Trump peace plan

Multiple party heads offered to provide a political safety net to ensure the peace deal passes.

Blue and White leader and MK Benny Gantz arrives for a meeting of opposition party leaders at a hotel in Tel Aviv, October 8, 2025

Yair Lapid offers safety net for PM Benjamin Netanyahu to implement Trump's Gaza deal

Lapid's offer of a safety net thereby allows for the deal to still be implemented regardless of opposition from right-wing ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid delivers a press conference speech at Yesh Atid Party meeting, Sunday, October 5, 2025

'Ready for a lasting peace': Trump, world figures respond to Hamas announcement on hostage release

Hamas announced on Friday night that they would release all 48 hostages, but that the 72 hour US deadline is unrealistic.

 HAMAS TERRORISTS keep guard on the day Hamas handed over deceased hostages, in Khan Yunis, Feb. 20, 2025.