Lapid Declares That Yesh Atid Will Support Any Hostage Deal

In an apparent move to counter Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s threat of bringing down the government over a potential deal with Hamas, Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid declared that his Yesh Atid party will support “any deal that brings the hostages home.”

This commitment to “provide the government with a safety net” comes amid speculations about a potential agreement that might involve the release of numerous Palestinian security prisoners and an extended cessation of hostilities in Gaza in exchange for the hostages held in the Strip. Various details reported have faced strong criticism from right-wing politicians.

Lapid emphasizes that bringing back the abductees is “our duty to them and their families.” Failure to do so, he warns, could erode something fundamental in the bond between citizens, the nation, and its land, especially the basic trust between citizens and the government.

Certain media outlets suggest that this implies Yesh Atid’s willingness to join the government to facilitate the approval of a deal, remaining part of it for a specified period.