Yair Lapid

Lapid Outlines His Diplomatic Vision Ahead of Elections

In a speech at a diplomatic conference, Yair Lapid reiterated his 'centrist' views, differentiating himself from left and right-wing.

Whose Side is Yair Lapid On, Anyway?

Yair Lapid refuses to sign vote-sharing deal with any left parties, and may lose them seat in the next Knesset, officials complained.

Lapid Accuses Netanyahu and Shas of 'Ugly Deal'

Former Finance Minister claims Netanyahu gave funding for Shas schools in return for Shas supporting funds for Judea and Samaria.

Lapid Campaigns 'At the Expense of Judea and Samaria'

MKs charge Lapid with demonizing region's residents as he did hareidim last elections, transfer of millions to radical Islamic councils.

Lapid: Netanyahu Thinks We're Four-Year-Olds

Yair Lapid said that he was 'ashamed' for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu after hearing his speech earlier Monday morning.

Report: Ya'alon Behind Transfer of Frozen Funds to Judea-Samaria

Defense Minister allegedly changes tune on freeze over 1949 Armistice lines, urges to 'release funds' as soon as possible.

State Breaks Freeze on Funds for Judea-Samaria; Yesh Atid Livid

Finance Committee, unburdened by Lapid, transfers overdue funds to Judea-Samaria regional councils; Yesh Atid labels it 'bribery.'

Yesh Atid Minister: 'Lapid for Prime Minister to Replace Bibi'

Peri lays out plan for leftist bloc to oust Netanyahu in elections, says he hopes it will be led by Lapid but 'more import to replace PM.'

MK Lipman Blasts Netanyahu, Says Yesh Atid Determined to Win

PM has accomplished nothing, Lipman accuses in special interview - and argues he must be replaced.

Shas MK: Lapid Sent 'Messengers' for His Putsch

MK Nissim Ze'ev confirms that Yesh Atid chair "used his seats used to try to bring down the government".

Report: Lapid, Liberman and Kahlon May Cooperate

Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman and Moshe Kahlon, who wish to see Netanyahu out as PM, may cooperate in the elections, says Channel 10.

Lapid Attacks Bibi: You Are Detached, You Live in an Aquarium

Former Finance Minister hits back after 'personal' attack by prime minister; 'Everyone sees your corruption.'

The Other Reason Netanyahu Fired Livni and Lapid

Likud sources claim PM fired rebellious ministers to ensure they couldn't use their positions to their advantage during elections.

Lapid to Herzog: I Won't Try to Become Opposition Leader

Yesh Atid chairman assures Labor chairman he will not try to lead the opposition despite being the largest party in it.

Poll Shows Lapid Nosedive, Kahlon Surprise

What to expect from elections? Likud remains top, then Jewish Home according to poll; Yesh Atid drops, new Kahlon party nets 10 seats.

Coalition collapse

Bibi Accuses Lapid, Livni of Leading a 'Putsch'; Calls Elections

PM says he took a 'personal risk' firing Lapid and Livni, but said they had made it impossible to govern; calls for snap elections.

Lapid's Yesh Atid Ministers Quit Coalition

Yesh Atid launches vitriolic condemnation of 'failed' PM after he dismisses Lapid and Livni, disbanding the government.

End of the government

Netanyahu Fires Lapid and Livni from Coalition

After failed last-minute talk with Lapid, PM gives Yesh Atid and Hatnua chairpersons the boot spelling imminent elections.

Likud: Lapid 'Failed Miserably as Finance Minister'

Likud officials hit back at Lapid over anti-Netanyahu remarks, say he failed miserably as a minister and has 'ugly' political aspirations.

Lapid: Netanyahu Dragging Israel into Elections to Woo Hareidim

Finance Minister says elections are a waste of money which could be rerouted to solve housing, cost of living crises.

MKs Right and Left Respond to Early Elections

Knesset Members from across the political spectrum respond to failed meeting between Netanyahu and Lapid.

Netanyahu-Lapid Meeting Fails, Elections Likely

Prime Minister Netanyahu sets five conditions to Finance Minister in order for the coalition to keep functioning.

Netanyahu Blames Ministers for 'Trying to Knock Him Down'

Prime Minister issues sharp criticism against ministers for 'subversions and attacks' on the government. Are elections inevitable?

Lapid to Netanyahu: You Can't Blow it All And Go to Elections

Lapid discusses meeting with PM Monday night. Warns that elections will disrupt funding for social services and other ongoing work.

Netanyahu Aide: Meeting with Lapid Isn't for Reconciliation

Nir Hefetz says Prime Minister wants some straight answers from Finance Minister. Yesh Atid denies it attempted a putsch under PM's nose.

Ya'alon Halts IDF Move to Negev Over Spat with Lapid

Defense Minister orders that the IDF’s move to the Negev be stopped, cites differences with Treasury over defense budget.

Netanyahu: If Crisis Not Resolved, We Will Draw Conclusions

Netanyahu opened Cabinet meeting addressing tensions between Ministers. 'There is no day that passes without threats and ultimatums.'

Shas: We Won't Establish Alternative Government

Aryeh Deri speaks out about Netanyahu offer: We will not form alternate coalition if Netanyahu will go ahead with elections.

Deputy Minister Says Elections Are 'Inevitable'

Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis criticizes Finance Minister Yair Lapid for saying the government is "stuck", says Lapid is welcome to resign.

Judea-Samaria Leaders Urge More Funds for Rock-Proofing Cars

In an urgent letter to Lapid and Ya'alon, Council Heads called for additional funds for defensive car shields for unprotected residents.

Lapid Lowers Import Duty on Grapes

Grapes are likely to show up on Israeli store shelves this winter – and are likely to cost less than they have in the past

Bennett to US: Jewish State Law is Our Problem, Not Yours

Economics Minister Naftali Bennett fires back at US criticism, saying they 'have no right to interfere' in internal affairs.

Amidst Crisis, Herzog Urges Livni and Lapid to Leave Coalition

The day after 'Jewish State' Law' passed in Cabinet, Herzog urges Ministers Livni and Lapid to abandon the coalition under Netanyahu.

Lapid: We'll Vote Against Jewish State Law in the Knesset

"Ben-Gurion would not have approved the Jewish State Law," says Finance Minister of the law approved by the Cabinet.

Ministers Squabble Over Jewish State Law

Heated debate, arguing erupts in Knesset Cabinet meeting on 'Jewish State' law, ahead of pivotal vote on Israel's identity.

Cabinet to Vote on 'Jewish State' Law Today

Tensions high throughout the political system before monumental vote on 'Jewish State Law'; leftist MKs fume.

Fitch Downgrades Israel's Outlook, Finance Min. Not Concerned

Fitch downgrades the outlook for Israel's sovereign long-term foreign currency issuer default rating from Positive to Stable.

Finance Committee Warns 'No Rubber Stamp' For Lapid Budget

Committee chairman vows debates on budget 'will continue to January' if needed, as Knesset discusses 333.3 billion shekel budget.

Lapid Says Elections Are a 'Very Bad Idea'

Finance Minister seeks to calm tensions amid reports that the coalition is about to fall apart.

Hareidim Say 'No' to Netanyahu

Prime Minister Netanyahu allegedly approached hareidi MKs with a coalition deal - but this time, they say they're sick of being 'used.'

Livni Warns of Imminent Coalition Breakup

As Lapid threatens 'alternate government' and Livni plummets in polls, minister hints at shakeup in radical leftist conference.

Lapid Threatening to Form 'Alternate Coalition'

Reports say Lapid's close associate has told PM Netanyahu's associates that Lapid is considering forming an alternate government.

PM: Removing Import Duty on Food Could Solve 'Price Crisis'

Prime Minister Netanyahu called for the removal of import duties on many kinds of imported food products.

VIP Treatment and Car Fridges - How Some MKs Use Taxpayer Money

After firestorm of criticism over report last week on gov't waste, Yair Lapid, Micky Levy come under scrutiny for exorbitant expenses.

Report Highlights 'High Life' Spending by Ministries

A report issued over the weekend showed that government ministries spent hundreds of millions of shekels on outside services.

Lapid Withholds Funding to Judea and Samaria

Finance Minister refuses PM's order to transfer funds for infrastructure in Judea-Samaria: 'Money should go to Kiryat Shmona, not Yitzhar.'

Herzog: Lapid a 'Human Shield' For PM's Budgetary Decisions

Opposition leader claims Netanyahu's business deals, placement of Lapid as minister are 'political ploys' that hurt the people .

Leftists Outraged at Netanyahu's New Construction Plan

"Netanyahu is working for the settlers", says Meretz chairwoman amid reports that Netanyahu will approve new homes in Judea and Samaria.

Top Official Insists Israel-US Relations are Fine

Despite the perception that there is a 'crisis,' relations between Israel and the US are good, says top security official Amos Gilad.

Lapid: There's a Crisis in the Relations with Washington

Finance Minister says there is a crisis in Israel-United States relations and it should be fixed.

Mystery of Lapid's Beard Dispelled

Secularist Finance Minister Yair Lapid created a stir when he grew a beard. His bureau says he's not becoming religious, however.

More 0% VAT Fence-Sitting Evidence: Mortgages Down in September

Evidence is mounting that Israeli homebuyers are sitting on the fence, waiting for the passage of Yair Lapid's zero-VAT initiative.

Israeli Doctors Scold Lapid: 'Deficit Endangers Patient Health'

In a sharply-worded letter, the Israeli Medical Association calls on Lapid to immediately allocate 600 million NIS to government hospitals.

Head of Berlin Protest: Lapid Destroyed Our Chances to Buy Homes

Head of Facebook campaign urging Israelis to move to Berlin fires back at Finance Minister who criticized the campaign.

Lapid Vows Lower Prices to Stop Berlin Migration

Movement to take advantage of lower cost of living in Berlin is smear on 'the identity, history, and purpose of our country,' Lapid says.

Facebook Page Urges Frugal Israelis to Move to Berlin

Controversial page, which emerges in light of 2011 'social justice' campaigns, sparks outrage in Israel.

Major Privatization Begins, But Will It Succeed?

Netanyahu and Lapid announce sales of major state owned companies, in a move to end 'corruption' and save $4 billion in three years.

Lapid Apologizes for Meeting on Shabbat

'It was not right to cause other people to work on Shabbat,' Finance Minister admits, in budgetary announcement.

Slomiansky: Where is Lapid Getting the Money?

Finance Committee chairman MK Nissan Slomiansky wants to hear from the Finance Minister how he plans to fund the 2015 budget.

Lapid Presents 'No New Taxes' 2015 Budget

Finance Minister Yair Lapid on Sunday held a press conference to present the main points of the state budget for 2015.