Yair Lapid Condemns Coalition's Last-Minute Legislation as 'State Sellout'

Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party and member of the Knesset, sharply criticized the ruling coalition during a faction meeting on Monday. He described the coalition's push to pass controversial laws in the final week of the Knesset session as a "state sellout." Lapid questioned why these bills only reached the last week and who had delayed them until now. He praised his opposition faction for conducting what he called the most heroic and successful political battle in Israeli history, managing to block several key coalition initiatives, including judicial appointments, an exemption law, restrictions on free media, and an override clause.

Lapid addressed his party members, saying they would be studied in civics classes as an example of how a determined minority can stop an oppressive majority and prevent Israel from becoming a non-democratic state. He also commented on the coalition's urgency to advance legislation, attributing it to their imminent loss of power and the state's unforgiving response to the events of October 7. Lapid noted that the election campaign would begin soon and emphasized that the political contest was just starting. He dismissed the idea that the elections were against Gadi Eizenkot, whom he called a partner with whom they would form a government.

In a separate statement, Lapid expressed sadness over the current state of the Likud party, recalling his father's allegiance to Menachem Begin. Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, criticized the high number of senior IDF officers retiring, which he said harms military readiness. He warned that draft evasion threatens national resilience and security and accused the government of fostering hatred toward itself and Israel. Lieberman pledged to repeal laws such as the kosher law and religious councils in the next government, replacing them with municipal religious service departments.

Lieberman also ruled out coalition cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties, cautioning that anyone who partners with them should not expect Yisrael Beiteinu's support. He criticized the appointment of David Zini as head of the Shin Bet, accusing him of politicizing investigations. Lieberman further accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sidelining independent-minded Likud members like Tali Gottlieb and Idit Silman, claiming Netanyahu seeks to eliminate any autonomy within his party. He warned against a unity government with Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, calling it a paralyzing government and accusing Netanyahu of deceit.