Yesh Atid MK Laments Party Departures, Criticizes Right and Left

Member of Knesset Vladimir Beliak of the Yesh Atid party issued a lengthy statement on Thursday addressing recent departures from the party and the celebratory reactions from the right-wing camp. Beliak described the departures as "tears and a dagger to the heart," emphasizing that unlike others, Yesh Atid members experience such partings with pain rather than malice.

He criticized the "embarrassing jubilation" from the right, particularly from "Bibi-ist" factions and media personalities, attributing it to Yesh Atid's past success in defeating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and forming governments without ultra-Orthodox parties. Beliak expressed surprise and disgust at similar celebratory reactions from parts of the left-wing, questioning their motives.

Reflecting on his 14 years with Yesh Atid and its leader Yair Lapid, Beliak highlighted the party's commitment to a "Jewish, democratic, and liberal Israel" and its consistent presence with double-digit Knesset seats and numerous elected officials without any legal issues.

Beliak asserted that Yesh Atid has been underestimated and dismissed as an "atmosphere party" numerous times but remains resilient. He stated the party is "not going anywhere" and will continue to fight for its values and represent working and serving Israelis in the next Knesset, aiming to be the best and most professional faction in coalition government. He concluded by thanking the founding generation and vowing to move forward under Lapid's leadership, dismissing cynics and self-proclaimed commentators who exploit difficult times for mockery.