Lapid Claims Netanyahu Cannot Form Government After Election
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid declared that Benjamin Netanyahu cannot form a government after the election, stating Netanyahu's bloc secured only 53 mandates, with 13 from non-Zionist parties. Lapid urged patience for the complex, behind-the-scenes process of forming a government. The political climate is tense due to the 'Ra'amgate' funding scandal and Mansour Abbas's stance on minority governments, raising the possibility of new elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yair Lapid stated Benjamin Netanyahu cannot form a government with only 40 viable mandates.
- Lapid described the election outcome as a 'win on points' for his bloc, not a knockout.
- He urged supporters to be patient and allow for quiet, behind-the-scenes coalition talks.
- Political tensions are high amid the 'Ra'amgate' funding scandal and a criminal investigation.
- Mansour Abbas's skepticism about minority governments increases the chance of repeat elections.
Following the final count of the recent election, Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid asserted that Benjamin Netanyahu lacks the ability to form a coalition government. Lapid stated that neither his bloc nor Netanyahu's achieved the necessary 61 seats for a clear victory, but Netanyahu's bloc secured only 53 mandates, with 13 coming from parties that have declared themselves non-Zionist, leaving him with 40. Lapid characterized this as a "win on points" rather than a knockout, emphasizing that a win is a win.
Lapid called for patience and a quiet, behind-the-scenes effort to form a government, comparing the process to that of a watchmaker meticulously assembling a clock. He urged his supporters to trust that progress is being made despite the apparent silence, highlighting the "immense Israeli majority" that has expressed its desire for change.
The political maneuvering occurs amidst significant tension within the "change bloc," exacerbated by serious allegations in the Qatari funding affair, known as 'Ra'amgate.' The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Justice Noam Sohlberg, has ordered a criminal investigation into the matter. Furthermore, analyses by Ami Segal and statements from Mansour Abbas, who indicated a very slim chance of supporting a minority government, cast doubt on the change bloc's ability to present a viable alternative to Netanyahu, increasing speculation about the possibility of repeat elections.
