With the Knesset Channel releasing weekly polls surrounding the possibility of new elections, it appears the Yesh Atid party headed by Finance Minister Yair Lapid is going to drop from its current 19 seats into the single digits.

Many feel this prompted the minister’s statements on Sunday 23 Marcheshvan stating “elections are a bad idea”. Earlier, Lapid threatened if his demands are not met regarding the state budget, social reforms and other key issues, he will break from the coalition and compel new elections.

Now Lapid insists he will not compromise on his ideals even if the party is hurt in the polls, but he has lowered his threatening tone considerably. Lapid clarifies “I do not make threats or give ultimatums. I do not think there is a single Israeli who wants elections. Who would this serve? I think it is a bad idea”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)