Lapid took over as prime minister last week as part of a deal last year that created a coalition government.
Lapid took over as prime minister last week as part of a deal last year that created a coalition government.
Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid held his first cabinet meeting on Sunday since taking over as leader, promising a functional government despite political instability, sending Israel to its fifth elections in less than four years. Is.
Lapid, seated next to his former power-sharing partner Naftali Bennett, also warned that Israel would take any necessary steps to protect itself after it shot down three unmanned aircraft launched by the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. Will pick up
Lapid took over as prime minister last week as part of a deal last year that created a coalition government. Bennett initially led it but stepped down after several defections and legislative defeats. Parliament dissolved itself, triggering new elections and handing over power to Lapid.
Israel will head to re-election on November 1, when Lapid will try to persuade voters to embrace its centrist vision and deny former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was removed last year after more than a decade in power. Was given a chance to return, lead the country. Bennett will not run in November.
“Our goal in the coming months, this whole table, is to run the government as if there is no election campaign. Citizens of Israel are eligible for a functioning government at any time,” Lapid said.
Lapid faced its first challenge on Saturday, when Hezbollah launched its unmanned aircraft toward an area where an Israeli gas platform had recently been installed in the Mediterranean Sea. The move appears to be an attempt by Hezbollah to influence US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon on their maritime border, a region rich in natural gas.
“Hezbollah continues its path of terrorism, reducing Lebanon’s ability to reach an agreement on the maritime boundary. Israel will continue to defend itself, its citizens and its property.”
Lapid, who served as foreign minister under Bennett, will use his months as caretaker leader to prove to the Israelis that he is prime minister material. He travels to Paris for meetings this week and then next week to host US President Joe Biden, a potential pre-election boost.
The upcoming election, like the previous four, will be a referendum on Netanyahu’s fitness to lead at a time when he is facing trial on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing, but several political parties have refused to join the government led by him, complicating efforts to form coalitions and perpetuating political turmoil.