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


'Cannot allow politics to thwart the plan,' Israeli and world officials applaud Trump's Gaza plan

Herzog also emphasized that Hamas must also agree to the plan in order to "allow a future of hope for the peoples of the region."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump meet in the White House, September 29, 2025.

Lapid tells US gov't that Netanyahu has 'safety net from him for hostage deal, Gaza ceasefire'

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a safety net to pass a hostage deal and ceasefire bill in the Knesset several times in 2025.

Yair Lapid speaking at Knesset.

Bennett, Eisenkot's 'Change Bloc' could redefine Israel’s future, say leading scholars

Professors Uriel Abulof and Yossi Shain tell The Media Line that the opposition’s fate hinges on legitimacy, unity, and courage to build a true democratic alternative.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu sits among his cabinet members as the Knesset passes a resolution, in favor of applying sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, last month.

Right-wing ministers call for West Bank annexation after countries recognize Palestine

The politicians and regional heads call to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank come after the UK, Canada, Portugal, and Australia recognized a Palestinian state.

Israeli security forces near the scene where two Israelis were killed in a terror shooting attack at Allenby bridge, a crossing between West Bank and Jordan, September 18, 2025.

No. 16: Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid: Leading Israel's opposition

Both Gantz and Lapid have voiced that they would provide Netanyahu with a “safety-net” for a hostage deal, offering political backing without preconditions. Yet, the two also have opposing opinions.

 YESH ATID head MK Yair Lapid and Blue and White head MK Benny Gantz

Lapid, Eisenkot, Liberman, Golan officially form political bloc to defeat Netanyahu

The group agreed to establish a professional body to work on guidelines for the next government, a constitution, universal national service, and safeguarding Israel’s identity.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) and former MK Gadi Eisenkot.

Netanyahu's 'Sparta' metaphor obscures Israel's wartime economic reality - analysis

Even with boycotts, sanctions, and embargoes making life harder, Israel will continue trading, innovating, and exporting, at the same time as it develops greater self-reliance. 

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at Newsmax event in Jerusalem, on August 13, 2025.

Lapid: No two-state solution in the next decade after October 7

Yair Lapid stressed that Israel should prioritize defense before discussing optimistic future possibilities.

Yair Lapid speaking at Knesset.

Lapid calls UN's treatment of Israel a 'diplomatic equivalent of a psychotic episode'

Lapid discussed the need to create a new organization of "democratic nations", while he pointed out the bias that exists towards Israel currently in the UN.

Opposition head MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 26, 2025

‘A flawless execution': Politicians, MKs commend Israeli strike on Hamas leadership in Doha

Israeli leaders from the coalition and opposition praised the IDF and Shin Bet strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, calling it historic and justified.

Smoke rises after several blasts were heard in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025.