Lapid Defends Unity With Bennett, Says It Is the Right Path

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid defended his political partnership with Naftali Bennett on Monday at the start of his faction meeting, saying the two believe it is the right way to fix Israel, even as polls show the alliance slipping.

Lapid said the joint effort is meant to advance major reforms that many people have been afraid to pursue. He said the next government should work for citizens rather than for itself, making those changes possible.

Among the reforms he named were drafting Haredim, restoring security to the streets, lowering the cost of living, passing a constitution, and repairing Israel’s foreign relations.

His comments came after he and Bennett met with their campaign chiefs from across the country. Lapid said they told the staff they were happy with the partnership, describing it as “a centrist union behind a liberal-right leader.” He also said politics is simpler than people think and requires hard work, good intentions, a fight for every vote, and remembering that “you are not there for yourself.”