Lapid responds to Herzog: Hope you won't try to push another fake 'unity' government with Netanyahu

Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded to President Isaac Herzog's remarks at the "People of the State" conference of ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, calling not to form a unity government with Netanyahu. Lapid claimed Netanyahu would deceive again and bring disasters upon citizens. Benny Gantz attacked Lapid and called specifically for a Zionist unity government.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded to President Isaac Herzog's remarks at the "People of the State" conference of ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, calling not to form a unity government with Netanyahu. Lapid wrote on X: "I very much hope President Herzog won't try to push for another fake 'unity' government." Herzog had earlier said he would do everything in his power to prevent repeat elections, against the backdrop of polls predicting a tie between blocs. Lapid claimed that in a unity government "Netanyahu will deceive his partners again and bring more and more disasters upon Israeli citizens with the votes of people who voted to oust him from power." He called on camp parties to announce in advance they would not be part of such a government. Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz came out against Lapid and said that if a unity government is not formed, "we will bring upon ourselves the next October 7." Gantz called for a Zionist unity government with both blocs to confront Iran, conscription, and mending societal rifts. The interview with Herzog was recorded a few days ago, in which he emphasized that elections are not a civil war and that everyone must accept the results.