Speaking at a Shabbos cultural event in Holon, Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid explained he is not disqualifying anyone or any party prior to elections and he would sit in a coalition with the chareidim as well as a coalition headed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

The former finance minister used the forum to attack Netanyahu, blaming him for ending Operation Protective Edge as he did, which failed to provide the proper deterrence to prevent a future round of warfare with Hamas. Lapid labeled the prime minister’s actions “politically coward” but is not unwilling to sit in a coalition headed by him in the future.

When asked about a future settlement with the PA (Palestinian Authority), Lapid expressed opposition to dividing the capital, explaining he is confident that agreement can be reached with the PA that does not include dividing Yerushalayim as they are demanding today. He opposes any negotiations that involve compromising the future of Israeli control over united Jerusalem.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)