Lapid: There is no line Netanyahu won’t cross to force a 5th election

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, speaking at a weekly Knesset faction meeting, says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will stop at nothing to force a fifth round of elections.

“Over the past few days we’ve witnessed bile and incitement being pushed by Netanyahu’s people. Death notices about Naftali Bennett, harassing Elkin’s children, the unfathomable abuse outside Matan Kahana’s house,” says Lapid.

He adds: “There is no line that Netanyahu won’t cross to divide Israeli society and drag us to a fifth election but it’s not working. Instead of weakening us, it’s serving as a reminder why we need a unity government.”

On coalition negotiations, Lapid says a government of right-wing, centrist and left-wing parties removing Netanyahu from power can be sworn in within days.

“The remaining gaps aren’t wide. We can swear-in a new government in a few days. A new, functioning government based on wide-ranging agreements,” he says.

“Israel needs to know that there is a new generation of leaders who don’t think about their own interests. The public won’t forgive anyone who prevents the formation of a new government just because they insist on getting another ministry.”