Yair Lapid

Lapid Admits He Was 'Power Drunk' as Finance Minister

Lapid says ministerial post was a 'trap' and admits to 'mistakes,' promises to block Netanyahu from being prime minister.

Jewish Home, Yesh Atid Snipe Over Housing Sales

Housing Minister Uri Ariel said that some 50,000 housing units came on the market in 2014 - an all-time record.

Yair Lapid: a Liar, a Hypocrite, or Simply Irresponsible?

Meretz Chairwoman Zehava Gal-On goes on the warpath against Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, accusing him of lying and irresponsibility.

Peace Now: Gov't Gave More Money to 'Settlements' in 2014

Far-left group claims Interior Ministry granted 3.5 times more money to Judea-Samaria in 2014. But could frozen funds be the cause?

Labor, Yesh Atid Agree to 'Play Nice' This Election

Pact not to mudsling each other leaked on Tel Aviv radio program, after Labor MK takes back remark over Yair Lapid.

Lapid: I Would Return to Finance Ministry

Lapid vows to return housing crisis laws to the agenda if he sits in the next government, says he could work with hareidi parties.

Lapid Slams Other Parties Over 'Corruption'

"We’ve had it with those who are corrupt and we are fed up with them stealing our country," says Yesh Atid chairman at party gathering.

Lapid: Even Menachem Begin Wouldn't Make it in Primaries

In an interview with Army Radio Thursday morning, Lapid slammed the Likud's primary process calling it 'corrupt.'

Lapid: We Fought Corruption 'Every Day' in 19th Knesset

Lapid boasts Yesh Atid is the only party not subject to some scandal in Israeli history, claims 'settlers, hareidim' given precedence.

Poll: 61% of Voters Haven't Made Up Their Minds

Whatever polls appear in the coming days, there is one statistic to keep in mind: Most voters haven't decided anything yet.

Lapid: We Won't Split Jerusalem

Yesh Atid chairman vows his party would never split Jerusalem, and also launches a tirade against PM Netanyahu and his lack of diplomacy.

Lapid: Yesh Atid is Running Alone for 20th Knesset

Lapid discusses upcoming elections, Yesh Atid's accomplishments, and responds to personal criticism from Netanyahu in Ch. 2 interview.

Apartment Sales Up Despite Zero-VAT Plan

Statistics that the public had already several months ago given up on the possibility of getting an apartment at an 18% discount.

Lapid Slams Netanyahu: What Decade Are You Stuck In?

Lapid dismisses PM's warning about 'reaching Kotel in APCs,' claims Netanyahu runs his campaign on fear-mongering.

Danon: Israel Paying the Price for Lapid

Following the publication of Latet's Alternative Poverty Report, Yesh Atid, Likud and Shimon Peres quickly strike up blame game.

No Religious Council in Beit El - Who's to Blame?

Beit El residents threaten to file petition in High Court for Justice over oversight; ministers play blame game, point to Finance Ministry.

Lapid Demands Attorney General Freeze Judea-Samaria Funds

Lapid calls funds to Jewish communities 'election bribes' in visit to Gaza Belt, demands political deal to disarm Hamas in Gaza.

Poll Finds Israelis Blame Netanyahu for Financial Woes

Poll gives Lapid good news, indicating he is held less to blame for weakening finances, as average poll results of last week released.

Lapid Talks 'Middle-Class', Walks “2-State Solution”

Lapid: Israel Owes Its Citizens an Apology

Lapid claims 'the government hasn't been working for' the people over the past 20 years, claims Netanyahu 'pulled plug' on crucial programs.

Slomiansky: Lapid Was 'A Nightmare to Work With'

For two years, MK Nissan Slomiansky worked 'under the thumb' of ex-Finance Minister Yair Lapid, calling it a 'nightmare'.

Lapid 'Scores' Campaign's First Broken Promise

Arad, after much discussion with the former Finance Minister, was to get a new ice cream factory. The plan is now off the table.

Approaching a Deal? Lapid and Kahlon Meet

After various reports and denials of a center consolidation, Lapid and Kahlon met Monday evening, presumably to discuss.

Lapid: Netanyahu Only Interested in Staying in Power

Lack of success for Yesh Atid because the party 'stood out too much,' 'deliberately took difficult issues,' Lapid says.

Lapid Continues to Stress Center Position

In a speech, Lapid says Livni wanted to join left-wing bloc, but the election will be between right and center.

Lapid Says 'No Room for 4 Million Palestinians in Israel'

Lapid presents Yesh Atid as the paragon of the political Center, amid polls which show a loss of at least 10 seats in the next Knesset.

Where directions merge

Lapid Claims Elections Are 'Between Right and Center'

The political map according to Lapid: Labor is left, Likud is 'extreme right,' and he is 'true change.'

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.