Yair Lapid

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.

Netanyahu and Lapid Reach Compromise on Budget

Defense system to receive an additional 6 billion shekels in 2015, according to last minute agreement between PM and Finance Minister.

Lapid Looking into Possibility of Joining Opposition

Yesh Atid chairman asks Meretz, Arab MKs if they would support him as Opposition Head, in a bid to frighten Netanyahu.

New Jerusalem Project to Provide 50,000 Jobs

Jerusalem's “front gate” is set to get a major upgrade in the coming years, with a one billion dollar investment.

Intel to Invest $6 billion in Israel

Intel will spend $6 billion to upgrade its Kiryat Gat chip manufacturing plant, the government announced Monday.

Will Lapid's Sabbath Desecration Bring Down the Coalition?

A coalition has already broken apart in a similar gaffe to Lapid's Shabbat press conference; MKs warning action may be taken.

'Politics of Threats' Between Likud and Yesh Atid

Coalition Chairman Levin warns he won't advance Lapid's 0% VAT Bill until Yesh Atid yields on state budget, as tensions continue to build.

Netanyahu Cuts Talk on 0% VAT Bill in Jab at Lapid

Netanyahu suspends discussion on controversial bill until budget deal worked out, in push on Lapid to back defense spending.

Netanyahu Calls to Raise Defense Budget by 'Many Billions'

Prime minister says 'any responsible leader' faced with growing threats would raise defense budget, as dispute with Lapid deepens.

Dispute Over War Cost Reflects in Budget Crisis

The debate over how much Operation Protective Edge cost Israel is having a practical effect on the state budget, reports say.

Is Lapid Trying to Dismantle the Coalition?

The controversy regarding Israel's budget heats up: Lapid and Netanyahu's associates accuse the other of trying to break the coalition.

Top Lapid Confidante Warns of Early Elections Over Budget Crisis

Yesh Atid MK Ofer Shelah accuses prime minister of forcing a 'showdown' with Finance Minister Lapid which could force elections.

Panicked Livni, Lapid Lash Out at Bennett Amid Jewish Home Rise

As polls show strong support for Jewish Home among the electorate, Tzippy Livni and Yair Lapid are concerned for their political futures.

Lapid: I Can Stop the Right's Takeover

Yair Lapid said Monday that he intended to provide a counterweight to the increasing influence of the right.

Talk of New Coalition With 'Childish' Lapid Replaced by Hareidim

Coalition Chairman Levin warns a coalition change is in the cards, but 'irresponsible' Lapid's party may find itself out.

Lapid: I'll Quit the Government if Taxes Are Raised

Finance Minister declares he will not be part of the government if it raises taxes following Operation Protective Edge in Gaza.

Lapid Calls State Land Declaration 'Opportunism'

Announcement 'causes damage to Israel' according to finance minister, who asks 'why now?' as world leaders bash Israel.

Netanyahu Promises Sderot's Children 'Education and Security'

Ministers tour southern schools to open new academic year in show of solidarity; Sderot mayor: our children are warriors.

Lapid Calls for Regional Summit to Demilitarize Gaza

Finance Minister calls to convene a regional summit with Middle Eastern leaders with the goal of rehabilitating and demilitarizing Gaza.

Report: Israeli Landlords Cleaning Up as Rents Jump

Housing sales are down in Israel, because of high prices and anticipation of the zero-VAT purchase plan - but rents are sky-high

Struk Dismisses Lapid's Call for Diplomatic Move After Ceasefire

MK Orit Struk says she "didn't know whether to laugh or cry" at Finance Minister's call to restart peace talks.

Minister Insists Israel Will Not Abandon Gaza Belt

Finance Minister Yair Lapid vows to help strengthen the South - both politically and financially.

Lapid Vows Revenge on Hamas for Killing 4 Year-Old

Finance Minister: 'Hamas leaders should know that they will pay for the death of Daniel and what they're doing to the South.'

Lapid: Israel Can Target Hamas 'Political' Leaders - Even Abroad

Finance Minister warns even Hamas leaders abroad will be forced to 'bear the consequences' of rocket attacks.

Rabbi Stav: 'Antagonism is not the Way to Combat Intermarriage'

Prominent religious-Zionist rabbi says that while intermarriage is a problem, protests outside mixed-marriage ceremony are wrong.

Hareidi MK Threatens 'Apartheid' Israel with Intifada

'If you have no respect for Torah, respect the Arab rebellion' threatens Eichler, in vitriol on Lapid's VAT housing law benefiting soldiers.

Lapid Slams 'Ridiculous' UN 'War Crimes' Committee

Fighting 'certainly could restart again tomorrow at midnight' says Lapid, warning this time 'we will strike much harder.'

Lapid: Abbas Should Return to Power in Gaza

Finance Minister says that international aid to Gaza should be conditioned on the Palestinian Authority returning to power in place ofHamas.

Lapid: We Declared Calm Restored Too Soon

Finance Minister admits the government may have erred in telling Gaza Belt residents to head back home.

Defense Ministry Requests 18 Billion Shekel Raise

Costs of Operation Protective Edge begin to run high as the self-defense mission passes the month mark.

Bennett: IDF Ready to Strike Back Immediately

Economics Minister stands behind Netanyahu against Hamas 'blackmail' in the event ceasefire breaks down.

Minister Warns Hamas: Don't Test Us

'Any fire will be answered with a heavy volley of fire,' vows Finance Minister Yair Lapid.

US Promises Intelligence Aid to Locate Abducted Soldier

John Kerry assures Yair Lapid that the US will aid in search for Lt. Hadar Goldin, as operation find abducted soldier continues.

Finance Minister Lapid: Hamas is Holding Gazan Civilians Hostage

Minister Yair Lapid demands 'demilitarization' of Gaza, says Israel can afford a long-term military operation to defeat Hamas.