Yair Lapid Vows No Coalition With Netanyahu, Criticizes Government's Democratic Erosion

Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition on Monday, accusing them of conducting a "fire sale" of Israel by pushing legislation that undermines democracy, security, and the economy just before the Knesset's dissolution. Lapid warned that the result of these actions is "destruction, ruin, hatred, and division." He dismissed Netanyahu's calls for a unity government, stating, "You will not form another government in Israel. There will be elections, and you will lose."

Lapid emphasized accountability, saying, "Disasters have consequences, and so does dysfunction," and declared that his party will not join any government led by Netanyahu. He expressed his intention to form a unity government with other factions and hoped for cooperation with Likud only after Netanyahu's defeat and retirement. Lapid condemned Netanyahu for his role as prime minister on October 7, accusing him of enabling Kahanism, whitewashing corruption, sanctioning evasion of responsibility, and building his career on hatred and incitement.

Focusing on recent legislative proposals, Lapid criticized the "Defectors Law," allegedly drafted in Netanyahu's office on the night of Captain David Hazut's death, along with other bills such as the "Nurseries Law," "Media Shutdown Law," "Basic Law on Torah Study," and the splitting of the Attorney General's role. Earlier, Netanyahu held a press conference following a framework agreement with Lebanon, praising the Lebanese government for courage and calling the deal a severe blow to Iran and Hezbollah. He expressed his intention to form a broad national government, declaring, "Enough with the boycotts."