The stakes have been raised! Former T.V. Presenter Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid party and Tech multi-millionaire Neftali Bennett, leader of Yamina party are betting against time to prove a majority by securing at least 61 seats in the Israel Parliament of 120 seats.

Compromising ideology for the greater good?

For your kind information, Yair Lapid is a secular centrist and Neftali Bennett is right-wing religious nationalist. To secure at least 61 seats, both politicians have also contacted Merav Michaeli, leader of the Labour Party in Israel since January 2021. Gideon Sa’ar a right-wing politician, leader of the New Hope party and the left-wing party Islamist Ra’am among others.

Will the coalition end Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12 year rule as Prime Minister?

Lapid and Bennett need to prove a majority by 11:59 pm, Wednesday (today) by forming a government composed of right-wing, centrist and left-wing parties, with the aim of having Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin (Likud) schedule a vote to swear in the new coalition on June 9 against Benjamin Netanyahu Likud party.

How will the “hopscotch” government work?

In a meeting, few days ago Lapid told the press that he and Bennett will take turns as Prime Minister for the time this government stays in power.

“If it works, it will create a legacy of its own. It will be an inspiration for politicians and governments throughout the world. But for it to work the parties need to come over their major ideological gaps for the great good of Israel and Palestine”.

If it doesn’t work than Israelis may have to vote again to choose a Prime Minister. In the last 2 years four such elections have been held.