Report: Lapid ‘Not Satisfied With Second Slot’

New elections, if they take place, could see significant changes in the map of parties participating. Among them could be Blue and White, which is experiencing pressure from Yair Lapid, the party’s number two, for changes in the list’s lineup, Yediot Acharonot reported.

In conversations with Blue and White MKs in recent days, the report said, Lapid has refused to commit to remaining in the second slot. He and party head “haven’t discussed it yet. We will have to have a discussion on that if the need to do so comes up” and new elections are called.

The comments have been a source of great tension in the party in recent days, the report said. Sources in the party told Yediot Acharonot that such statements from an individual who not too long ago was in charge of his own party carried a great deal of weight, but there was no reason to change anything in the case of repeat elections.

“No one disputes the fact that Benny Gantz is our candidate for Prime Minister,” the sources said. “This issue is not open for discussion. Gantz achieved a great accomplishment and everyone realizes that he is the most suitable candidate.” Lapid has not had a conversation with Gantz on the matter, the sources said, “because he realizes that the most important thing right now is to create a situation where Gantz gets a mandate to establish a government. That is our most important battle right now,” the sources said.