Israeli opposition leader, Yair Lapid, has called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be replaced, suggesting that there would be broad support for a unity government led by Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party. Lapid, who previously served as prime minister, believes that a large majority of the 120 lawmakers in the Knesset would endorse such a coalition.
Lapid made these remarks as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7. He took to social media platform X to express his views, stating, “The time has come – we need to establish a national reconstruction government. Likud will lead it, Netanyahu and the extremists will be replaced, over 90 members of the Knesset will be partners in the coalition for healing and reconnection.”
Netanyahu’s Likud party is currently the largest in Israel’s ruling coalition, which includes ultra-nationalist and religious parties, giving them control over 64 seats in parliament. However, Lapid refused to join Netanyahu’s war cabinet at the beginning of the conflict, unlike other centrist lawmakers who agreed to assist in managing the situation.
Lapid emphasized the urgency of the situation, arguing, “We waited 40 days, there is no more time. What we need now is a government that will deal with nothing other than security and the economy.” He also stressed the importance of avoiding another election cycle in the near future that would only fuel further division and chaos.
It remains to be seen how these calls for a new government will be received and whether Netanyahu’s position will indeed be challenged. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the political landscape in Israel may undergo significant changes in the coming weeks.
