Lapid Stresses Inevitable Compromises as Coalition Talks Advance
Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid stated that a new Israeli government will be formed through painful compromises. Meanwhile, the change bloc is negotiating with United Torah Judaism and Ra'am.
Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid, stated on Thursday evening that a new government will undoubtedly be established in Israel despite inevitable political compromises and intense negotiations. Speaking about the ongoing coalition talks, Lapid emphasized that failing to form a cabinet would amount to unpardonable national irresponsibility. According to Lapid, perfect governments and flawless coalition agreements do not exist, meaning all political actors must be prepared to make painful concessions.
Coalition Efforts and the Ultra-Orthodox Track
Meanwhile, following the removal of the veto by Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, the change bloc led by Yashar! chairman Gadi Eisenkot is focusing efforts on formulating a proposal to attract United Torah Judaism into supporting the government's formation. To bridge deep divides over the military draft issue, the bloc is weighing a commitment to freeze the enforcement of ultra-Orthodox conscription and draft-evader arrests for up to one year following the government's swearing-in. During this temporary freeze, both sides would work to craft an agreed-upon conscription bill inspired by Lieberman's 2018 framework proposal.
Outreach to Ra'am and Security Conditions
Concurrently, discussions are underway with Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas regarding his potential inclusion in the future coalition structure or broader political cooperation. According to reports, elements within the change bloc—with mediation assistance from The Democrats and Yashar! representatives—are engaging Abbas on a key condition set by Eisenkot: recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization. Abbas reportedly expressed conditional openness to this demand during a faction meeting, stating that the definitive response will be delivered during official coalition negotiations as he seeks genuine partnership in the incoming administration.
