Yair Lapid Criticizes Likud Leadership, Calls for Political Change After Primaries
Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party, sharply criticized the Likud party leadership following the conclusion of its primaries. Lapid accused Likud of losing its political and ethical direction, lamenting the deterioration of relationships within the party. He recalled how he used to wish Likud members well during their party day and maintain contact with both winners and losers, but now feels estranged, saying, "I have no friends left there, nor any sense of proper relations between political rivals."
Lapid highlighted a drastic shift in the party's public and political atmosphere, contrasting past hypocrisy that enforced civility with the current environment where members openly use racist language and insults from the podium, reflecting what he described as the party's ownership of such behavior. He argued that Likud urgently needs a political status change, moving beyond the failures he associates with the party, including responsibility for the October 7 attacks, corruption, submission to ultra-Orthodox factions, and attempts to undermine democracy.
He stated that after nearly 40 years in power, Likud has become corrupt, paralleling the trajectory of Benjamin Netanyahu, who started as an idealistic young leader but gradually became what he once despised. Lapid questioned Likud's current purpose and unity, pointing out the lack of a shared vision or goals among its members. He contrasted this with Yesh Atid's mission to rebuild a Jewish-liberal democracy based on education and technological progress.
Lapid concluded by calling for a change in government, asserting that Likud's sole motivation is to remain in power for personal benefits and patronage. He insisted that Likud should spend at least four years in opposition, which he believes would benefit both the country and Netanyahu himself. Netanyahu responded to the primaries results expressing satisfaction, but Lapid's critique underscores a deep political divide and calls for renewal in Israeli politics.
