Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, expressed concern over the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, stating that the deal falls short of meeting Israel’s objectives in the war with Iran. He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to secure a more favorable agreement.
Lapid, aiming to unseat Netanyahu in upcoming elections, described the deal’s details as alarming. “The deal is bad for Israel, bad for the region, bad for the citizens of Iran,” Lapid declared in Jerusalem.
The U.S. and Israel commenced the war on February 28, targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program, its regional militant support, and nuclear ambitions. Additionally, both Netanyahu and President Donald Trump aspired to create grounds for regime change in Iran.
Regional officials revealed that the proposed deal involves Iran relinquishing its highly enriched uranium stockpile and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In return, the U.S. would lift sanctions and end its blockade of Iranian ports. Negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program are set to occur within a 60-day period.
Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s lack of influence over Washington’s decisions, pointing out Trump’s recent statement, “Netanyahu will do whatever I want him to do.” He emphasized Israel’s sovereignty, asserting, “Israel is a sovereign state, we are not a vassal state and we are not a protectorate.”
Lapid, leading the centrist “Yesh Atid” party, briefly served as prime minister in 2022 through a rotation agreement with Naftali Bennett. Their coalition ended Netanyahu’s 12-year leadership. Together, they are seeking to unify the opposition against Netanyahu in the elections slated for October.
While Lapid supports Palestinian independence, he clarified that it will not feature in the potential government’s agenda due to recent conflicts. “There will be no two-state solution in the coming years,” he stated, citing concerns over Palestinian governance.
Lapid pledged to oppose actions that could render future Palestinian statehood unfeasible. Bennett, a former West Bank settlement leader, assured no movement towards annexing occupied territories.
Lapid ruled out forming coalitions with Arab parties to dethrone Netanyahu, noting polling data indicating such a coalition might be necessary. In 2021, Lapid and Bennett cooperated with Mansour Abbas’ Arab faction to form a historic government.
Lapid reflected on past collaboration with Abbas as “the right government for the moment.” However, he highlighted changes in Israel’s situation, asserting no coalition with Abbas’ party in the forthcoming elections.
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