Yair Lapid Steps Down as Opposition Leader, Joins Bennett as No. 2 Ahead of Elections

Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid will enter the upcoming elections as the second candidate on Naftali Bennett's list, marking a significant shift from his previous role as opposition leader. This move follows a period of political decline for Lapid and his party, Yesh Atid, which recently dropped to single-digit poll numbers. Close associates of Lapid acknowledge public disappointment, admitting that the failure to oust Benjamin Netanyahu was a clear setback. Dana Fitelis Kaduri, Lapid’s former chief political strategist, emphasized that despite the setbacks, Lapid remains politically driven and strategic, viewing the alliance with Bennett as a pragmatic choice despite ideological differences.

Lapid relinquished the top spot to Bennett and handed over the party machinery he built over 15 years without demanding a rotation agreement. This decision surprised some within Yesh Atid, sparking questions about Lapid’s future ambitions and whether his political drive has diminished. However, Fitelis Kaduri and others stress that Lapid remains committed to a long-term political role and is focused on preventing the current government from continuing.

Internal party tensions surfaced two years ago when Knesset member Ram Ben Barak challenged Lapid’s leadership, narrowly losing by 29 votes. Ben Barak described the challenge as a call for internal reform rather than a rejection of Lapid, praising Lapid’s integrity and national-minded decisions, including his previous willingness to step back for political unity. He identified the alliance with Bennett as a continuation of Lapid’s strategic choices, though it also marked the beginning of the party’s decline in public support.

Local Yesh Atid officials, like Hadar Schweitzer from Ramat Hasharon, express confidence in the partnership with Bennett, seeing it as a necessary step to maximize electoral success and prevent Bennett from aligning with Netanyahu. Schweitzer acknowledges ideological gaps but highlights the shared goal of uniting the country and opposing the current government.

Former Yesh Atid spokesperson Nili Reichman noted that Lapid has matured politically since his 2013 peak, influenced by his time as prime minister and exposure to national security challenges. She suggested that the public’s perception of Lapid’s diminished presence and effectiveness partly stems from the complex political environment post-October 7, 2023. Reichman also criticized the opposition’s failure to effectively communicate its parliamentary efforts to the public, which contributed to a sense of inactivity.

Despite the challenges, Lapid’s political machine remains intact, and his allies believe he will continue to play a significant role in Israeli politics. The alliance with Bennett is seen as a strategic move to maintain influence and work toward a democratic, liberal government, even if it means setting aside personal ambitions for the premiership. Lapid’s office declined to comment on the article’s content.