Lapid rules out a Netanyahu-led government, says he will not join the Likud leader

Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated Monday evening that Benjamin Netanyahu will not form the next government and that his party will not bring the Likud leader into a coalition under his own leadership, according to Channel 14. The statement, which drew a mocking response from journalist Yotam Zameret, further solidifies Lapid's refusal to sit with Netanyahu in any government.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid doubled down on his anti-Netanyahu stance Monday evening, declaring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not form the next government and that his own party — Yesh Atid — will not bring Netanyahu into a coalition led by Lapid. The remarks, reported by Channel 14 (C14), follow a similar and stronger declaration earlier Monday in which Lapid said he would not sit with Netanyahu in 'any government' at all. The softer formulation tonight — ruling out sitting under Netanyahu while still closing the door to a Netanyahu entry into a Lapid-led coalition — suggests a slight tactical shift, though the bottom line remains the same: no cooperation.

The statement drew a mocking jab from political commentator Yotam Zameret, who noted that Lapid does not even appear in campaign billboards alongside Naftali Bennett, despite the two running together under the 'Together' banner. Zameret's remark, also reported by Channel 14, highlights the lingering tensions within the anti-Netanyahu camp. As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday (Mon 16:05 Jerusalem), Lapid had already ruled out any government with Netanyahu. The latest statements solidify that position and keep the coalition math tight, with both the anti- and pro-Netanyahu blocs falling short of 61 seats on current polling.

3 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 22:31 · 29 JunLatest

   Lapid made the remarks during an interview with Channel 14.

2. 16:05 · 29 Jun

   Lapid explicitly rules out sitting with Netanyahu in any future government.

3. 15:50 · 29 Jun

   Lapid says Netanyahu will no longer form governments in Israel

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