In a dramatic political development, Yair Lapid, the leader of Israel’s biggest opposition party, Yesh Atid, announced on Monday that he would lend his support to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in parliament to keep him in office if members of the ruling coalition quit over a proposed ceasefire deal with Hamas.
This unexpected lifeline comes as Netanyahu has authorized his officials to resume negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, aiming to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages taken on October 7.
The delicate balance of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition is threatened by this potential ceasefire. Some far-right partners within the coalition have stated unequivocally that they will resign if the war ends before Israel has completely eradicated Hamas and freed the hostages. This potential exodus could collapse Netanyahu’s government.
Speaking at a meeting of his parliamentary faction, Lapid addressed the political and humanitarian stakes: “There’s a hostages deal on the table. It is not true that Netanyahu has to choose between the hostages deal and the continuation of his tenure as prime minister.”
“Let him do the deal,” Lapid urged. “I promised him a safety net and I will keep that promise.”
This concession from Lapid is particularly striking given his staunch opposition to Netanyahu. Yesh Atid, Lapid’s party, has frequently criticized the Prime Minister’s policies and governance. However, Lapid emphasized that the priority must be the return of the hostages, signaling a rare moment of bipartisan agreement for the sake of national unity and humanitarian concern.
“It is a difficult decision to make, given our opposition to Netanyahu, but the most important thing is to bring the hostages home,” Lapid stated.
Netanyahu’s coalition is currently propped up by several far-right parties that hold significant sway. The two most unwaveringly opposed to a ceasefire deal, holding a combined 13 seats in the Israeli parliament, have repeatedly called for a continuation of military operations until Hamas is fully dismantled.
On the other side, Yesh Atid holds 24 seats, providing a substantial buffer that could ensure Netanyahu’s government remains intact even if far-right coalition members follow through on their threat to quit. This parliamentary math positions Lapid as a crucial player in the unfolding political drama.
The Stakes of Negotiation
Israel’s negotiations with Hamas are not just about ending the current conflict but also about securing the release of the hostages taken by Hamas during their October offensive. The talks are fraught with complexity, given Hamas’s deep-rooted ideological opposition to Israel and the broader geopolitical implications. A successful ceasefire could stabilize the region and prevent further loss of life, while also potentially reshaping the domestic political landscape in Israel.
The far-right faction’s hardline stance reflects a broader skepticism within Israeli society about negotiating with Hamas. There remains a significant contingent that believes military might is the only path to long-term security. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the plight of the hostages present pressing moral imperatives that are difficult to ignore.
The ceasefire negotiations have attracted international attention, with various global powers urging a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation. The United Nations and several European countries have been vocal in their support for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for humanitarian relief.
U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein has been an active mediator, underscoring the critical nature of these talks amid a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. International diplomatic efforts, combined with internal political dynamics, have created a complex environment for Netanyahu and his government.
Lapid’s offer to support Netanyahu through a parliamentary safety net tests the resilience of Israeli democracy and its leaders’ ability to prioritize national and humanitarian interests over political rivalry. It highlights the potential for political adversaries to unite in times of crisis, presenting a rare opportunity for unity in an otherwise deeply polarized political landscape.
The coming days will be pivotal. If Netanyahu proceeds with the ceasefire deal, backed by Lapid’s promise of support, it could mark a significant shift in Israeli politics and a crucial step towards ending the conflict in Gaza. The hostages’ release and the cessation of hostilities would be profound humanitarian victories, although political and security challenges would remain.
As Israel stands at a crossroads, the collaboration between Netanyahu and Lapid could offer a new model of political cooperation, even if temporarily, in addressing the nation’s most pressing crises. The world watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that brings peace and security to a region long mired in conflict.
