Yair Lapid

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Yair Lapid

| native_name = {{nobold|יאיר לפיד}}

| native_name_lang = he

| image = Yair Lapid (D1237-011) (cropped).jpg

| caption = Official portrait, 2022

| party = Yesh Atid (since 2012)

| office = Leader of the Opposition

| primeminister = Benjamin Netanyahu

| term_start = 2 January 2023{{cite web|url=https://main.knesset.gov.il/EN/mk/Pages/HeadOfOpposition.aspx|title=Leader of the Opposition|publisher=Knesset|access-date=13 January 2023}}

| term_end =

| predecessor = Benjamin Netanyahu

| successor =

| primeminister1 = Benjamin Netanyahu

| term_start1 = 17 May 2020

| term_end1 = 13 June 2021

| predecessor1 = Shelly Yachimovich (2019)

| successor1 = Benjamin Netanyahu

| order2 = 14th

| office2 = Prime Minister of Israel

| term_start2 = 1 July 2022

| term_end2 = 29 December 2022

| president2 = Isaac Herzog

| 1blankname2 = {{nowrap|Alternate}}

| 1namedata2 = Naftali Bennett

| predecessor2 = Naftali Bennett

| successor2 = Benjamin Netanyahu

| order3 = 2nd

| office3 = Alternate Prime Minister of Israel

| term_start3 = 13 June 2021

| term_end3 = 30 June 2022

| primeminister3 = Naftali Bennett

| predecessor3 = Benny Gantz

| successor3 = Naftali Bennett

| office4 = Leader of the Yesh Atid

| term_start4 = 1 May 2012

| term_end4 =

| predecessor4 = Position established

{{Collapsed infobox section begin|Ministerial offices held|titlestyle = border:1px dashed lightgrey}}

| office5 = Minister of Foreign Affairs

| primeminister5 = {{ubl|Naftali Bennett|Himself}}

| term_start5 = 13 June 2021

| term_end5 = 29 December 2022

| predecessor5 = Gabi Ashkenazi

| successor5 = Eli Cohen

| office6 = Minister of Finance

| primeminister6 = Benjamin Netanyahu

| term_start6 = 18 March 2013

| term_end6 = 2 December 2014

| predecessor6 = Yuval Steinitz

| successor6 = Benjamin Netanyahu

| office7 = Member of the Knesset

| term_start7 = 22 January 2013

| term_end7 =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|11|5|df=y}}

| birth_place = Tel Aviv, Israel

| otherparty = Blue and White (2019–2020)

| father = Tommy Lapid

| mother = Shulamit Lapid

| spouse = Lihi Lapid

| children = 3

| occupation = {{hlist|Politician|journalist}}

}}

Yair Lapid ({{langx|he|יָאִיר לַפִּיד}} {{IPA|he|jaˈʔiʁ laˈpid||}}; born 5 November 1963) is an Israeli politician of the centrist Yesh Atid party and a former journalist who has been the Leader of the Opposition since January 2023, having previously served in that role from 2020 to 2021. He had also previously served as the 14th prime minister of Israel from 1 July to 29 December 2022, the second alternate prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Naftali Bennett from 2021 to 2022, and also as the Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from 2013 to 2014. He is also the leader of Yeah Atid since the party's founding in 2010.{{cite web |title=Dreams of the father guide Yair Lapid as he eyes Israel's premiership |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210601-dreams-of-the-father-guide-lapid-as-he-eyes-israel-s-premiership |publisher=France 24 |date=1 June 2021 |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603010235/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210601-dreams-of-the-father-guide-lapid-as-he-eyes-israel-s-premiership |url-status=live }}

Before entering politics in 2012, Lapid was an author, TV presenter and news anchor. The centrist Yesh Atid party, which he founded, became the second-largest party in the Knesset by winning 19 seats in its first legislative election in 2013. The greater-than-anticipated results contributed to Lapid's reputation as a leading centrist.

From 2013 to 2014, following his coalition agreement with Likud, Lapid served as Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2013, Lapid ranked first on the list of the "Most Influential Jews in the World" by The Jerusalem Post.{{cite web |author=Jerusalem Post staff |title=Top 50 most influential Jews 2013: Places 1–10 |url=http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-Features/Top-50-most-influential-Jews-2013-Places-1-10-313129 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=4 May 2013 |access-date=5 August 2013 |archive-date=24 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224204320/http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-Features/Top-50-most-influential-Jews-2013-Places-1-10-313129 |url-status=live }} He was also recognized in 2013 as one of the leading Foreign Policy Global Thinkers,{{cite web |title=Yair Lapid – For appealing to Israel's political center. |url=http://2013-global-thinkers.foreignpolicy.com/lapid |work=Foreign Policy |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150520/http://2013-global-thinkers.foreignpolicy.com/lapid |url-status=live }} and ranked as one of Time magazine's 100 "Most Influential People in the World".{{cite magazine|url=https://time100.time.com/2013/04/18/time-100/slide/yair-lapid/|title=The 2013 TIME 100|last=Vick|first=Karl|magazine=Time|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|issn=0040-781X|archive-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703095327/http://time100.time.com/2013/04/18/time-100/slide/yair-lapid/|url-status=live}} He serves on the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and the Sub-Committee on Intelligence and the Security Services.{{cite news|url=https://cyberweek.tau.ac.il/2017/about/speakers/item/177-yair-lapid|title=Yair Lapid|last=roni|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150601/https://cyberweek.tau.ac.il/2017/about/speakers/item/177-yair-lapid|url-status=live}}

On 17 May 2020, Lapid became the Leader of the Opposition, after the thirty-fifth government of Israel was sworn in.{{cite news |last=Magid |first=Jacob |title=Lapid predicts 'crooked' new government will fall quickly |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-predicts-crooked-new-government-will-fall-quickly/ |date=17 May 2020 |access-date=17 May 2020 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523021823/https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-predicts-crooked-new-government-will-fall-quickly/ |url-status=live }} On 5 May 2021, he began talks with other parties to try to form a coalition government.{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Gil |title=Lapid, Bennett hope to form government within a week |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/rivlin-to-meet-lapid-bennett-as-consultations-begin-667245 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=5 May 2021 |access-date=5 May 2021 |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616040624/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/rivlin-to-meet-lapid-bennett-as-consultations-begin-667245 |url-status=live }} On 2 June 2021, Lapid informed Israeli President Reuven Rivlin that he had agreed to a rotation government with Naftali Bennett and was prepared to replace the incumbent prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.{{cite web |title=Lapid tells Rivlin: I have succeeded in forming coalition with Bennett |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/lapid-tells-rivlin-new-government-ready-669937 |website=The Jerusalem Post |first=Gil |last=Hoffman |date=3 June 2021 |access-date=22 June 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=27 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427071933/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/lapid-tells-rivlin-new-government-ready-669937 |url-status=live }} The new government was sworn in on 13 June 2021.{{cite web |last=Lieber |first=Dov |title=Israel Gets New Government to End Netanyahu's 12-Year Rule |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-could-see-new-government-if-netanyahus-opponents-pass-confidence-vote-11623576602 |website=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=15 June 2021 |date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=15 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615021602/https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-could-see-new-government-if-netanyahus-opponents-pass-confidence-vote-11623576602 |url-status=live }}

Lapid became the prime minister of Israel on 1 July 2022 after Bennett stepped down as prime minister following the dissolution of the Knesset. Lapid remained prime minister until a new government was formed after the November 2022 election.{{cite web | last=Spiro | first=Amy |title=Yair Lapid takes over as Israel's 14th prime minister| website=The Times of Israel | date=1 July 2022 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/yair-lapid-takes-over-as-israels-14th-prime-minister/|accessdate=22 July 2022}} Serving for only 181 days, he is the shortest-serving permanent Israeli prime minister. Lapid has supported Israel's actions under the Netanyahu government in the Gaza war.

Biography

File:Yair Lapid, Bamahane issue 12.jpg

Yair Lapid was born in Tel Aviv, the son of journalist and politician Yosef "Tommy" Lapid, who served as Justice Minister, and novelist and playwright Shulamit (Giladi) Lapid. His father was born in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) to Hungarian Jewish parents,{{cite web |last=Beck |first=Mordechai |title=Yosef Lapid |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/20/israelandthepalestinians |website=The Guardian |date=20 June 2008 |access-date=22 June 2022 |archive-date=22 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622183255/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/20/israelandthepalestinians |url-status=live }} and his mother was born in Tel Aviv. His maternal grandfather David Giladi, originally from Transylvania (now Romania), was a writer and journalist who was among the founders of the newspaper Maariv.[https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/lapid-shulamit Shulamit Lapid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617041919/https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/lapid-shulamit |date=17 June 2022 }} – Jewish Women's Archive{{cite web |last=Gradstein |first=Linda |url=http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/01/17/3091222/in-entering-israeli-politics-yair-lapid-eyes-force-of-socioeconomic-protests |title=In entering Israeli politics, Yair Lapid eyes force of socioeconomic protests | Jewish Telegraphic Agency |website=Jta.org |date=17 January 2012 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403035142/http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/01/17/3091222/in-entering-israeli-politics-yair-lapid-eyes-force-of-socioeconomic-protests |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/lapid-shulamit |title=Shulamit Lapid | Jewish Women's Archive |website=Jwa.org |date=1 March 2009 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125135410/https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/lapid-shulamit |url-status=live }} He has a sister, Merav, who is a clinical psychologist. Another sister, Michal, died in a car accident in 1984.{{cite web |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/who-is-yair-lapid.premium-1.483284 |title=Who Is Yair Lapid? |first=Asher |last=Schechter |work=Haaretz |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403130436/http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/who-is-yair-lapid.premium-1.483284 |url-status=live }} His paternal grandfather Bela (Meir) Lampel, a lawyer and Zionist activist, was murdered in Mauthausen concentration camp, while his great-grandmother Hermione Lampel was sent to Auschwitz, where she was murdered in a gas chamber.{{cite web | title=The truth about Poland and the Holocaust | url=https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-city-of-the-dead/ | work=The Times of Israel | date=29 January 2018 | access-date=4 February 2019 | archive-date=4 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904214135/https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-city-of-the-dead/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/yairlapid/status/964090139545952256|title=Yair Lapid on Twitter|year=2018|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=5 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405223121/https://twitter.com/yairlapid/status/964090139545952256|url-status=live}}

Lapid grew up in Tel Aviv and London. His childhood home in Tel Aviv was in the Yad Eliyahu neighborhood, in a residential building known as the Journalists' Residence, as several prominent journalists lived there. He attended high school at the Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium, but struggled with learning disabilities and dropped out without earning a bagrut certificate.{{cite news|url=http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4181978,00.html|title=יאיר לפיד: 'לא מצאו עליי כלום, אז המציאו סיפור'|date=5 January 2018|newspaper=Ynet|language=he|trans-title=Yair Lapid: 'They did not find anything about me, so they invented a story'|author=אטילה שומפלבי|access-date=29 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201122048/http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4181978,00.html|url-status=live}} Lapid spent most of his mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces as a military correspondent for the IDF's weekly newspaper, Bamahane ("In the base camp").{{cite web | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/popular-israeli-tv-newsman-enters-politics/ | title=Popular Israeli TV newsman enters politics|work=The Seattle Times|first=Aron|last=Heller|agency=Associated Press | date=8 January 2012 }} He has given different versions of how he began his service in the IDF before being transferred to Bamahane, alternatively claiming to have begun his service in the Armored Corps until he was transferred after suffering an asthma attack due to a smoke grenade and to have started his service in the Israeli Air Defense Command before being pulled out due to suffering an asthma attack from dust and haze during basic training.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/2019-01-24/ty-article-magazine/.premium/0000017f-f6da-d460-afff-fffe1f340000|title=הפרוטקציה בצבא, הסטירה שחטף והשעבוד לסקרים. מה יאיר לפיד בעיניך?|newspaper=הארץ |via=Haaretz|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629172456/https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/2019-01-24/ty-article-magazine/.premium/0000017f-f6da-d460-afff-fffe1f340000|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://presspectivi.goop.co.il/Web/?PageType=0&itemid=242920|title=כתבות ספונטני, רגיש ובעל חוש הומור פרספקטיבי אונליין|website=presspectivi.goop.co.il|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=12 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612013547/http://presspectivi.goop.co.il/Web/?PageType=0&itemid=242920|url-status=live}} After completing his military service, he began working as a reporter for Maariv and published poetry in literary journals. He also had a career as an amateur boxer.{{cite web|url=http://www.mako.co.il/men-magazine/machismo/Article-2666c4e4d61c431006.htm|title=לא קצין, אבל ג'נטלמן|date=9 January 2012|website=mako.co.il|language=he|trans-title=Not an officer, but a gentleman|access-date=29 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033531/http://www.mako.co.il/men-magazine/machismo/Article-2666c4e4d61c431006.htm|url-status=live}}

In the mid-1980s, Lapid married Tamar Friedman. The marriage produced one son, Yoav (born 1987). The couple divorced after the birth of their son.{{cite web |title=The underdog who believes he's Israel's next prime minister |last=Hecht |first=Ravit |work=Haaretz.com |date=2 February 2019 |access-date=1 July 2022 |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/2019-02-02/ty-article-magazine/.premium/yair-lapid-believes-he-will-replace-netanyahu-as-israels-next-prime-minister/0000017f-dbaa-d856-a37f-ffea6a4a0000 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701133725/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/2019-02-02/ty-article-magazine/.premium/yair-lapid-believes-he-will-replace-netanyahu-as-israels-next-prime-minister/0000017f-dbaa-d856-a37f-ffea6a4a0000 |url-status=live }} He later married Lihi Lapid, with whom he has two children.{{cite web |last=Harkov |first=Lahav |url=http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=300270 |title=Labor targets undecided female voters via kids |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=21 January 2013 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=26 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226114250/http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=300270 |url-status=live }} The couple lives in the Ramat Aviv Gimel neighborhood of Tel Aviv.{{cite web |last=Danan |first=Deborah |url=http://www.jPost.com/VideoArticles/Video/Article.aspx?id=299671 |title=Who is Yair Lapid? |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=15 January 2013 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=26 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526025421/http://www.jpost.com/VideoArticles/Video/Article.aspx?id=299671 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/23/world/middleeast/yair-lapid-guides-yesh-atid-party-to-success-in-israeli-elections.html?_r=0|title=Charismatic Leader Helps Israel Turn Toward the Center|work=The New York Times|first=Isabel|last=Kershner|date=23 January 2013|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108211826/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/23/world/middleeast/yair-lapid-guides-yesh-atid-party-to-success-in-israeli-elections.html?_r=0|url-status=live}} He attends the Daniel Centers for Progressive Judaism, a Reform synagogue in Tel Aviv.{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-lapid-s-jewish-home-a-reform-shul-1.5226204|title=Yair Lapid's 'Jewish Home' Is a Reform Synagogue in Tel Aviv|work=Haaretz|first=Natasha|last=Dornberg|date=24 January 2013|access-date=16 March 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121220228/https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-lapid-s-jewish-home-a-reform-shul-1.5226204|url-status=live}}

Journalism and media career

File:Over The Ocean third.jpg]]

In 1988, at age 25, Lapid was appointed editor of Yedioth Tel Aviv, a local newspaper published by the Yedioth Ahronoth group. In 1991, he began writing a weekly column in a nationwide newspaper's weekend supplement—first for Maariv, and later for its competitor, Yedioth Ahronoth. His column's name, "Where's the Money?", became his political slogan decades later.

In 1994, Lapid started on TV, hosting the leading Friday evening talk show on Israel TV's Channel 1.{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Yair Lapid |author= |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |date= |access-date=1 July 2022 |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yair-Lapid |archive-date=10 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310082832/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yair-Lapid |url-status=live }} In 1997, he had an acting role in an Israeli film about the Gulf War, Song of the Siren.{{cite web |title=Love, daily life battle war in fresh Israeli film, "Siren" |via=Newspapers.com |first=Leslie|last=Rubinkowski |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=15 February 1997 |page=27 |access-date=1 July 2022 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104745072/pittsburgh-post-gazette/ |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701133726/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104745072/pittsburgh-post-gazette/ |url-status=live }} He next hosted a talk show on TV Channel 3. In the 1990s, Lapid hosted a current affairs talk show called "Yair Lapid" on Channel 2.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803032835/http://reshet.tv/Shows/Yair_Lapid_video/ |url=http://reshet.tv/Shows/Yair_Lapid_video/ |archive-date=3 August 2014 |title=יאיר לפיד |trans-title=Yair Lapid |publisher=Reshet}}

From 1989 to 2010, Lapid wrote and published books spanning a variety of genres. His first was a thriller, of which he has published three more; the others include two children's books, two novels, and a collection of his newspaper columns. In addition, he wrote a drama series, War Room, that aired on Channel 2 in 2004. He has written a total of 12 books. His most successful book, Memories After My Death, was a biography of his late father.[https://www.gov.il/en/departments/people/yair-lapid Yair Lapid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628115249/https://www.gov.il/en/departments/people/yair-lapid |date=28 June 2022 }} – Official Biography

Lapid was also a songwriter for numerous Israeli musicians, among them Rami Kleinstein, Yardena Arazi, and Rita. Some of the songs he wrote became hits which reached the top of the charts in Israel.{{Cite web|url=http://xnet.ynet.co.il/xo/articles/0,14718,L-3099468,00.html|title=הלהיטים הגדולים של יאיר לפיד|website=xnet|access-date=1 July 2022|archive-date=15 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615091504/https://xnet.ynet.co.il/xo/articles/0,14718,L-3099468,00.html|url-status=live}}

In January 2008, Lapid was the host of Ulpan Shishi (Friday Studio), Channel 2's Friday night news magazine. That year, the Cameri Theater performed his first play, The Right Age for Love.{{cite web |title=Yair Lapid |author= |publisher=Government of Israel |website=embassies.gov.il |date= |access-date=1 July 2022 |url=https://embassies.gov.il/MFA/AboutIsrael/state/Personalities/Pages/Yair-Lapid.aspx |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701133731/https://embassies.gov.il/MFA/AboutIsrael/state/Personalities/Pages/Yair-Lapid.aspx |url-status=live }}

In January 2012, controversy arose after Lapid was admitted by Bar-Ilan University into a doctorate program, studying towards a PhD in hermeneutics. This was in violation of rules stating that all doctoral candidates must hold at minimum a bachelor's degree. Lapid, who had failed to complete high school, was admitted to the university based on his extra-academic credentials and career in journalism and writing. After the Knesset Education Committee launched an investigation, the Council for Higher Education canceled the program under which Lapid was admitted, which had allowed students without a BA to study towards a doctorate.{{cite web|date=23 February 2012|title=No BA means no PhD for Yair Lapid|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/no-ba-means-no-phd-for-yair-lapid/|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=6 March 2021|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414222454/https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-ba-means-no-phd-for-yair-lapid/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Harkov|first=Lahav|date=29 January 2012|title=Knesset C'tee to probe Lapid doctorate affair|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Knesset-Ctee-to-probe-Lapid-doctorate-affair|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=6 March 2021|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301075354/https://www.jpost.com/diplomacy-and-politics/knesset-ctee-to-probe-lapid-doctorate-affair|url-status=live}}

In September 2013, the Israeli edition of Forbes magazine estimated Lapid's net worth at 22 million shekels.{{cite web | url=http://www.forbes.co.il/news/new.aspx?0r9VQ=KLHF | title=Israel's wealthiest politicians | work=Forbes | date=5 September 2013 | access-date=6 October 2013 | author=Galit Edot | archive-date=1 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001202821/http://www.forbes.co.il/news/new.aspx?0r9VQ=KLHF | url-status=dead }}

Political career

=Formation of Yesh Atid and 2013 election=

File:יאיר לפיד - כנס שדרות לחברה במכללה האקדמית ספיר-2.JPG in November 2015]]

On 8 January 2012 Lapid announced that he would be leaving journalism in order to enter politics.{{cite news | url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/veteran-israeli-anchor-yair-lapid-leaves-channel-2-to-enter-politics-1.406168 | title=Veteran Israeli anchor Yair Lapid leaves Channel 2 to enter politics | work=Haaretz | date=8 January 2012 | access-date=8 January 2012 | archive-date=9 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109061901/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/veteran-israeli-anchor-yair-lapid-leaves-channel-2-to-enter-politics-1.406168 | url-status=live }}

On 30 April he formally registered his party, "Yesh Atid" ({{langx|he|יש עתיד}}, lit., "There's a Future").{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=267906&R=R101 |title=Lapid registers new party, 'Yesh Atid' |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=29 April 2012 |access-date=29 April 2012 |archive-date=29 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429143214/http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=267906&R=R101 |url-status=live }} The move was timed to coincide with the general expectation in Israel for early elections to be held in the early fall of 2012.{{cite web |title=Israeli TV talkshow host Yair Lapid to launch political party |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |work=The Guardian |date=9 January 2012 |access-date=1 July 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/09/talkshow-host-yair-lapid-party |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201131714/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/09/talkshow-host-yair-lapid-party |url-status=live }}

A few days after Yesh Atid's registration, in a surprise move, Benjamin Netanyahu formed a national unity government. It was then thought that Lapid's party would have to wait until late 2013 before it could participate in national elections. But in October 2012, following the departure of Kadima from Netanyahu's coalition over how to implement a Supreme Court decision ending the exemption from the military draft for the ultra-Orthodox, Netanyahu announced that elections would take place in late January 2013, affording Yesh Atid its first opportunity to run. In November 2012, Yesh Atid was polling an average of 11.6%, or 13–14 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. The results of the January election showed the party winning an unexpected 19 seats, making Yesh Atid the second-largest party in the 19th Knesset.{{cite news | url = http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4335946,00.html | title = 19th Knesset to see Right, Left virtually tied | work = ynet | date = 22 January 2013 | access-date = 22 January 2013 | archive-date = 23 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130123184805/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4335946,00.html | url-status = live }}

=Minister of Finance (2013–2014)=

After the election, Yesh Atid joined the new government led by Netanyahu. Lapid was named finance minister on 15 March 2013.{{cite news|title=Ex-TV anchor Yair Lapid named as Israeli finance minister|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-finmin-lapid-idUSBRE92E0MN20130315|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=15 March 2013|date=15 March 2013|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307131745/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-finmin-lapid-idUSBRE92E0MN20130315|url-status=live}} Only nine months later, a survey was published showing a continuing trend of decreasing popularity, with 75% of those polled claiming to be disappointed by his performance, and his party achieved only 10 seats in the Knesset, as opposed to the 19 it got at the beginning of the year.{{cite web |title=75% dissatisfied with Lapid's performance |url=http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000904942&fid=1725 |publisher=Globes |date=26 December 2013 |access-date=26 December 2013 |archive-date=27 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227085225/http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000904942&fid=1725 |url-status=live }}

On 2 December 2014, Netanyahu fired Lapid as finance minister.Ilan Ben Zion, (2 December 2014). [http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-fires-lapid-livni-from-ministerial-posts/ Netanyahu fires Lapid, Livni from ministerial posts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216055623/http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-fires-lapid-livni-from-ministerial-posts/ |date=16 December 2014 }}. The Times of Israel. At the same time, Netanyahu also dismissed Hatnua party leader Tzipi Livni from her cabinet post.[http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-lapid-and-livni-to-blame-for-new-elections/ Accusing Lapid and Livni of attempted ‘putsch’, Netanyahu fires them, calls elections] Times of Israel, 2 December 2014

=Yesh Atid in the Knesset opposition (2015–2021)=

Yesh Atid won eleven seats in the 2015 election, a decrease of eight seats.{{cite web |title=Yesh Atid - parties |url=https://en.idi.org.il/israeli-elections-and-parties/parties/yesh-atid/ |website=en.idi.org.il |access-date=14 January 2024 |language=he}} In the resulting Knesset, Yesh Atid sat in the opposition to a government headed by Netanyahu.{{cite web |last1=Maulem |first1=Mazal |title=Will one slip of the tongue cost this Israeli opposition figure the premiership? - Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2016/07/israel-yair-lapid-fist-strategic-mistake-political-campaign.html |website=Al-Minotor |access-date=14 January 2024 |language=en |date=6 July 2016}}

In 2016, Lapid presented his platform, the "Seven Point Plan for Israel", which included a robust security doctrine, a regional conference with Arab states based on the necessity of separating from the Palestinians, reforms of the political system to clean up corruption, the State of Israel that strikes a balance between its Jewish and democratic character, a strengthened law enforcement system, an economy propelled forward by innovation, and increased emphasis on education and science.{{cite web |title=Yesh Atid Headed by Yair Lapidc |url=https://www.yeshatid.org.il/seven_points?languagecode=en |website=www.yeshatid.org.il |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624152520/https://www.yeshatid.org.il/seven_points?languagecode=en |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title="תוכנית 7 הנקודות" של לפיד |url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/414067 |website=www.israelhayom.co.il |access-date=22 May 2021 |language=he |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522163654/https://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/414067 |url-status=live}} Lapid and Yesh Atid claimed to spearhead the fight against corruption in Israel. The "Nachshon Plan", unveiled in 2017, stipulates that any person found guilty of corruption will be banned from serving in public office. To prevent political bribery, it also abolishes "coalition funds".{{cite news |title=Yesh Atid Israel Centrist Party – This is How We Will Combat Corruption |url=https://israelseen.com/2017/08/23/yesh-atid-israel-centrist-party-this-is-how-we-will-combat-corruption/ |access-date=24 June 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111225659/https://israelseen.com/2017/08/23/yesh-atid-israel-centrist-party-this-is-how-we-will-combat-corruption/ |url-status=dead }}

==First tenure as leader of the opposition (2020–2021)==

File:Blue and White1.jpg in 2019]]

In the April 2019 and September 2019 elections, Yesh Atid joined the centrist Blue and White coalition headed by Benny Gantz. Neither election resulted in the formation of a government. Yesh Atid again ran in the coalition for the 2020 election, but left the coalition after Gantz formed a unity government headed by Netaynahu (with plans for a rotation). Yesh Atid continued to sit as an opposition party.{{cite web |title=Meet Israel's 'Yesh Atid' party |url=https://allisrael.com/meet-israel-s-yesh-atid-party |website=All Israel News |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=January 2023}}{{cite web |title="Blue and White" - Kahol Lavan Party |url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/blue-and-white-kahol-lavan-party |website=Jewish Virtual Library |access-date=14 January 2024}} Lapid served as leader of the opposition{{cite web |title=Who is Yair Lapid, the opposition leader challenging Netanyahu? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/31/who-is-yair-lapid-the-opposition-leader-challenging-netanyahu |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=14 January 2024 |language=en |date=May 31, 2021}}

=Rotation government (2021–22)=

==Formation==

File:Yair Lapid meeting with Reuven Rivlin against the background of the efforts to form a new government of Israel, May 2021 (GPOZAC 7336).jpg

On 5 May 2021, Lapid was entrusted with the second mandate to form a new government, after the incumbent Netanyahu failed to do so with the first mandate. On 9 May 2021, it was reported that Lapid and Bennett had made major headway in the coalition talks.{{cite news |last=Shlezinger |first=Yehuda |title=Report: Lapid, Bennett make major headway in coalition talks |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/05/10/report-lapid-bennett-make-major-headway-in-coalition-talks/ |publisher=Israel Hayom |date=10 May 2021 |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510235929/https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/05/10/report-lapid-bennett-make-major-headway-in-coalition-talks/ |url-status=live }} However, on 10 May, coalition talks seemed to be jeopardized as the Ra’am party announced it was suspending coalition talks, due to escalation in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{cite news |last=Fulbright |first=Alexander |title=Ra'am freezes coalition talks with 'change bloc,' amid violence |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/raam-freezes-coalition-talks-with-change-bloc-amid-violence/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=10 May 2021 |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514001924/https://www.timesofisrael.com/raam-freezes-coalition-talks-with-change-bloc-amid-violence/ |url-status=live }} On 13 May his path to being Prime Minister was further complicated when Naftali Bennett reportedly decided against joining a Lapid government due to the ongoing military conflict with Gaza.{{cite news |last=Schneider |first=Tal |title=Bennett rules out 'change gov't' due to Gaza unrest, renews talks with Likud |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/bennett-said-to-rule-out-change-govt-due-to-gaza-unrest-renew-likud-talks/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=13 May 2021 |access-date=13 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513171944/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/bennett-said-to-rule-out-change-govt-due-to-gaza-unrest-renew-likud-talks/ |url-status=live }}

On 30 May 2021, Bennett announced in a televised address that Yamina would indeed join a unity government with Lapid, after all but one of Yamina's MKs agreed to back this decision.{{cite news |title=With his party's support, Bennett says he's heading into government with Lapid |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-his-partys-support-bennett-says-hes-heading-into-government-with-lapid/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=30 May 2021 |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530133227/https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-his-partys-support-bennett-says-hes-heading-into-government-with-lapid/ |url-status=live }} On 2 June 2021, following negotiations with Lapid and Bennett, Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas officially signed a coalition agreement with Lapid and agreed to allow his party to join.{{cite web|title=Mansour Abbas signs coalition agreement to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/mansour-abbas-signs-coalition-agreement-to-unseat-benjamin-netanyahu-1.1233837|publisher=The National|date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602200711/https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/mansour-abbas-signs-coalition-agreement-to-unseat-benjamin-netanyahu-1.1233837|url-status=live}} The Knesset ultimately voted in favor of the new government by a one-vote margin on 13 June.{{cite news |last1=כהן |first1=שירית אביטן |last2=זקן |first2=דני |last3=טרבלסי |first3=נבו |date=13 June 2021 |title=הכנסת הצביעה בעד: ממשלת בנט-לפיד יוצאת לדרך |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001374172 |access-date=20 May 2022 |language=he |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520085918/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001374172 |url-status=live }} the government was sworn in that same day, with Lapid becoming the Alternate Prime Minister of Israel and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.{{cite web |title=כל הפנים והשמות: כך נראית הממשלה ה-36 של מדינת ישראל |url=https://www.maariv.co.il/news/politics/Article-846610 |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=Maariv |date=13 June 2021 |language=he |archive-date=3 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203174809/https://www.maariv.co.il/news/politics/Article-846610 |url-status=live }}

== Minister of Foreign Affairs and Alternate Prime Minister ==

Upon becoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lapid's ministry assumed the duties of the now-defunct Ministry of Strategic Affairs.{{cite web |date=19 July 2021 |title=המשרד לנושאים אסטרטגיים נסגר: נחוץ או משרד החוץ? |url=https://www.makorrishon.co.il/news/376053/ |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=מקור ראשון |language=he-IL |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520151320/https://www.makorrishon.co.il/news/376053/ |url-status=live}} Several weeks later Lapid inaugurated Israel's embassy in Abu Dhabi, in what was the first official visit of the country by a member of the Israeli Government.{{cite news |date=29 June 2021 |title=Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid opens embassy in Abu Dhabi |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/29/israeli-foreign-minister-yair-lapid-opens-embassy-in-abu-dhabi |access-date=20 May 2022 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520151422/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/29/israeli-foreign-minister-yair-lapid-opens-embassy-in-abu-dhabi |url-status=live }} In August 2021, he appointed former Minister of Health Yael German as Israeli Ambassador to France, and former Member of the Knesset Shimon Solomon as ambassador to Angola.{{cite web |title=השרה לשעבר יעל גרמן מונתה לשגרירת ישראל בצרפת |url=https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=110813 |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=Kan 11 |language=he |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815172919/https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=110813 |url-status=live }}

On 11 August, Lapid visited Rabat to inaugurate Israel's embassy in the city.{{cite web |title=לפיד במרוקו: היום אנחנו לא פוליטיקאים טובים, אנחנו הורים טובים |url=https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=111297 |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=Kan 11 |language=he |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815172937/https://www.kan.org.il/item/?itemid=111297 |url-status=live }} In September, he inaugurated the Israeli Embassy in Manama,{{cite web |title=איראן על ביקור לפיד בבחריין: "הנוכחות של ישראל באזור הרסנית" |url=https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=113858 |website=Kan 11 |language=he |access-date=20 May 2022 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001082716/https://www.kan.org.il/item/?itemid=113858 |url-status=live }} and announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Sweden.{{cite web |title=ישראל ושוודיה חידשו את היחסים בדרג שרי החוץ לראשונה מאז 2014 |url=https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=113363 |website=Kan 11 |language=he |access-date=20 May 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930164725/https://www.kan.org.il/item/?itemid=113363 |url-status=live}}

== Prime Minister of Israel ==

Lapid became the caretaker Prime Minister of Israel on 1 July 2022,{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/yair-lapid-officially-becomes-new-prime-minister-of-israel-3117079|title=Yair Lapid Officially Becomes New Prime Minister Of Israel|website=NDTV.com|accessdate=3 November 2022}} after the Knesset had voted to dissolve and call a snap election the previous day.{{Cite news |title=יאיר לפיד נכנס לתפקידו כראש הממשלה ה-14 של ישראל |language=he |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politi/2022-06-30/ty-article/00000181-b622-d1dd-a1ab-f72661280000 |access-date=2023-06-18}} The rotation government agreement had specified that if a snap election were called while Bennett was still prime minister, Lapid would rotate into the premiership as caretaker prime minister until the next government would be formed after the election. During his premiership, Lapid continued to hold the additional office of minister of foreign affairs.{{cite web |last1=Ravid |first1=Barak |title=Israel coalition agrees to dissolve parliament and hold early elections |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/06/20/israel-bennett-lapid-dissolve-knesset-elections |website=Axios |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=June 20, 2022}}

File:President Joe Biden meets with leaders of India, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.jpg, 2022]]

During his term, Israel was involved in a series of clashes with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip dubbed "Operation Breaking Dawn".{{Cite web |title=מבצע עלות השחר: כך חוסלו בכירי הג'יהאד האיסלאמי - דקה אחרי דקה |url=https://www.maariv.co.il/news/military/Article-937720 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Maariv|date=9 August 2022 }} The three-day August operation was widely regarded as successful. The operation was overseen primarily by Lapid and Gantz (who was serving as defense minister).Multiple sources:

{{cite web |last1=Breuer |first1=Eliav |title=How will the Right downplay the success of Operation Breaking Dawn? |url=https://m.jpost.com/israel-elections/article-714642 |website=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=13 August 2022}}
{{cite web |last1=Verer |first1=Yossi |title=How will the Right downplay the success of Operation Breaking Dawn? |url=https://m.jpost.com/israel-elections/article-714642 |website=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=8 August 2022}}
{{cite web |last1=Maulem |first1=Mazal |title=Israel's Lapid scores political points with Gaza operation - Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/08/israels-lapid-scores-political-points-gaza-operation |website=Al-Monior |access-date=14 January 2024 |language=en |date=8 August 2022}} The operation was limited in its scope.{{cite web |last1=Keller-Lynn |first1=Carrie |title=Lapid is the Gaza operation's political winner, but can this be converted to votes? |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-is-the-gaza-operations-political-winner-but-can-this-be-converted-to-votes/ |website=Times of Israel |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=August 8, 2022}}

On 10 October 2022, Lapid "strongly" condemned "Russian attacks on the civilian population in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine" during strikes on energy infrastructure that killed at least 11 people.{{cite web |title=Israeli PM condemns Russia for massive missile barrage across Ukraine|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/putin-warns-of-more-severe-retaliation-in-ukraine-as-11-killed-in-missile-barrages/|access-date=2022-12-16|website=www.timesofisrael.com|language=en-US|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010193026/https://www.timesofisrael.com/putin-warns-of-more-severe-retaliation-in-ukraine-as-11-killed-in-missile-barrages/|url-status=live}}

= Second tenure as leader of the opposition (2022–present) =

In the snap election, Yesh Atid won 24 seats.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-02 |title=בתום ספירת הקולות: גוש נתניהו זוכה ל-64 מנדטים, מרצ מחוץ לכנסת - וואלה! בחירות 2022 |url=https://elections.walla.co.il/item/3538156 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=וואלה! |language=he}} A new government was formed by Benjamin Netanyahu, who succeeded Lapid as Prime Minister on 29 December 2022.{{Cite web |title=נתניהו חזר: ממשלת ישראל ה-37 הושבעה |url=https://www.srugim.co.il/747532-%d7%a0%d7%aa%d7%a0%d7%99%d7%94%d7%95-%d7%97%d7%96%d7%a8-%d7%9e%d7%9e%d7%a9%d7%9c%d7%aa-%d7%99%d7%a9%d7%a8%d7%90%d7%9c-%d7%94-37-%d7%94%d7%95%d7%a9%d7%91%d7%a2%d7%94 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=סרוגים |language=he}} Lapid became the Leader of the Opposition for a second time on 2 January 2023.{{cite web |title=Leader of the Opposition |url=https://main.knesset.gov.il/EN/mk/Pages/HeadOfOpposition.aspx |access-date=13 January 2023 |work=Knesset}}

Lapid participated in the 2023 Israeli judicial reform protests.{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=George |title=Israel sees one of its biggest-ever protests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64929563 |website=BBC News |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=11 March 2023}}

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed that opposition parties Yesh Atid and National Unity enter an emergency unity government amid the Gaza war,{{Cite web |title=Netanyahu offers Lapid, Gantz to join him in emergency unity government |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-offers-lapid-gantz-to-join-him-in-emergency-unity-government/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}} after Leader of the Opposition Lapid urged Nethanyahu put "aside our differences and form an emergency, narrow, professional government."{{Cite web |last=Keller-Lynn |first=Carrie |title=Lapid urges emergency government, says PM can't manage war with extreme cabinet |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-urges-emergency-government-says-pm-cant-manage-war-with-extreme-cabinet/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}} Only Gantz's National Unity accepted the offer. Lapid took issue with the structure Netanyahu offered, as well as the fact that Netanyahu would not remove Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as ministers in his government. Lapid regarded both of these men to be extremists.{{cite web |title=Lapid tells why he did not join the emergency unity government |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/378384 |website=Israel National News |publisher=Arutz Sheva |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=October 12, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Keller-Lynn |first1=Carrie |title=Lapid accuses government of 'unpardonable failure,' says won't join emergency government |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lapid-says-wont-join-problematic-emergency-government-but-hell-back-it-from-outside/ |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=12 October 2023}}

File:Secretary Blinken Meets with Israeli Opposition Leader (53643180900).jpg in Washington, D.C., 8 April 2024]]

After the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Lapid said he supported Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's decision to impose a total blockade on the Gaza Strip, adding that Hamas was to blame.{{cite news |title=Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid: 'The endgame is no Hamas in Gaza' |url=https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/t%C3%AAte-%C3%A0-t%C3%AAte/20231010-israeli-opposition-leader-yair-lapid-the-endgame-is-there-will-be-no-hamas-in-gaza |work=France 24 |date=10 October 2023}}

On 28 March 2024, Lapid won Yesh Atid's first leadership primary election with 52.5% of the vote,{{Cite news |last=Tov |first=Michael Hauser |date=28 March 2024 |title=Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid wins first-ever Yesh Atid party primary |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-03-28/ty-article/israeli-opposition-leader-yair-lapid-wins-first-ever-yesh-atid-party-primary/0000018e-8632-d9dd-a39f-cef251390000 |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=Haaretz |language=en}} narrowly beating Ram Ben-Barak by 308 votes to 279.{{Cite news |last=Sokol |first=Sam |date=28 March 2024 |title=In surprise primary result, Lapid holds on to party leadership by a mere 29 votes |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-surprise-primary-result-lapid-holds-on-to-party-leadership-by-a-mere-29-votes/ |access-date=28 March 2024 |work=The Times of Israel}}

In June 2024, he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept Biden's proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.{{cite news |title=Israel-Hamas war: Lapid urges PM to pursue cease-fire deal |url=https://www.dw.com/en/israel-hamas-war-lapid-urges-pm-to-pursue-cease-fire-deal/live-69240924 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=2 June 2024}} In December 2024, he was critical of the decision to close the Israeli embassy in Dublin saying that it would "give victory to antisemitism and anti-Israel organizations".https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/400768

In February 2025, he supported US President Donald Trump's proposal for the voluntary resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza.{{cite news |title=Israel tells army to prepare plans for Palestinians to voluntarily leave Gaza |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/06/israel-tells-army-to-prepare-plan-for-palestinians-to-voluntarily-leave-gaza |work=The Guardian |date=6 February 2025}}

Political views

Lapid has said that he would demand a resumption of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.{{YouTube|YfvQ_qOzMIA|‘Mishal Ham’ Talkshow (Hebrew – ReshetTV) on 14:00}} His party's 2013 platform calls for an outline of "two states for two peoples", while maintaining the large Israeli settlement blocs, a united Jerusalem, and ensuring Israel's safety.{{cite web|url=http://yeshatid.org.il/programmes/national/|title=המצע המדיני בטחוני|website=yeshatid.org.il |language=he |access-date=14 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315150955/http://yeshatid.org.il/programmes/national/ |archive-date=15 March 2013 }} In January 2013, just days before the election, Lapid said he would not join a cabinet that stalled peace talks with the Palestinian Authority, and added that a single country for both Israelis and Palestinians without a peace agreement would endanger Israel's Jewish character. He said, "We're not looking for a happy marriage with the Palestinians, but for a divorce agreement we can live with."{{cite web |last=Winer |first=Stuart |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-charms-the-lefties-at-nys-92nd-street-y/ |title=Lapid charms the lefties at NY's 92nd Street Y |publisher=The Times of Israel |date=8 October 2013 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=14 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314220645/http://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-charms-the-lefties-at-nys-92nd-street-y/ |url-status=live}} As part of a future peace agreement, Lapid said Palestinians would have to recognize that the large West Bank settlement blocs of Ariel, Gush Etzion and Ma'aleh Adumim would remain within the State of Israel.{{cite web|first=Revital|last=Hovel|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/yair-lapid-says-he-opposes-occupation-but-will-present-platform-in-west-bank-settlement.premium-1.471162|title=Yair Lapid says he opposes occupation but will present platform in West Bank settlement|work=Haaretz|date=20 October 2012|access-date=12 September 2021|archive-date=15 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315085937/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/yair-lapid-says-he-opposes-occupation-but-will-present-platform-in-west-bank-settlement.premium-1.471162|url-status=live}} According to Lapid, only granting Palestinians their own state could end the conflict and Jews and Arabs should live apart in two states, while Jerusalem should remain undivided under Israeli rule.{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21571170-it-not-yet-clear-how-yair-lapid-would-seek-renew-peace-process-man|title=Israel's rising star|newspaper=The Economist|date=2 February 2013|access-date=12 September 2021|archive-date=24 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424182604/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21571170-it-not-yet-clear-how-yair-lapid-would-seek-renew-peace-process-man|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://forward.com/articles/165183/yair-lapid-calls-for-return-to-peace-talks/|title=Yair Lapid Calls for Return to Peace Talks|work=Forward|agency=Reuters|date=30 October 2012|access-date=12 September 2021|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105210726/http://forward.com/articles/165183/yair-lapid-calls-for-return-to-peace-talks/|url-status=live}} He is enthusiastic about annexing the Golan Heights, and has also declared that he is guided by a principle of "maximum Jews on maximum land with maximum security and with minimum Palestinians."Gil Stern,[https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Lapid-US-helped-Iran-fund-its-next-war-against-Israel-442791#article=6017NzI0REQ2QkM2QkYyN0Y5NjU2NzRGQTVGRUZGQTBBQzA='Lapid: US helped Iran fund its next war against Israel,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605110111/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Lapid-US-helped-Iran-fund-its-next-war-against-Israel-442791#article=6017NzI0REQ2QkM2QkYyN0Y5NjU2NzRGQTVGRUZGQTBBQzA='Lapid: |date=5 June 2021 }} The Jerusalem Post, 26 January 2016.

Of the diplomatic stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Lapid said, "Most of the blame belongs to the Palestinian side, and I am not sure that they as a people are ready to make peace with us."{{cite web|first=Gil|last=Hoffman|url=http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=261603|title=Yair Lapid: Palestinians not ready to make peace|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=12 March 2012|access-date=17 March 2013|archive-date=26 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626131402/http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=261603|url-status=live}} He has also dismissed the possibility of a comprehensive peace deal with the Palestinians as unrealistic.{{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21578722-businessmen-try-making-peace-through-economic-co-operation-boosting-west-banks |title=Boosting the West Bank's economy |newspaper=The Economist |date=1 June 2013 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=31 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331155425/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21578722-businessmen-try-making-peace-through-economic-co-operation-boosting-west-banks |url-status=live }}

In June 2015, after the March 2015 elections, Lapid visited the United States, and after an hour-long interview, American journalist Jeffrey Goldberg wrote, "Lapid is a leader of the great mass of disillusioned centrists in Israeli politics. He could conceivably be prime minister one day, assuming Benjamin Netanyahu, in whose previous cabinet he served, ever stops being prime minister. Now functioning as a kind of shadow foreign minister, Lapid argues that Israel must seize the diplomatic initiative with the Palestinians if it is to continue existing as a Jewish-majority democracy, and he is proposing a regional summit somewhat along the lines of the earlier Arab Peace Initiative. Lapid is not a left-winger—he has a particular sort of contempt for the Israeli left, born of the belief that leftists do not recognize the nature of the region in which they live. But he is also for territorial compromise as a political and moral necessity, and he sees Netanyahu leading Israel inexorably toward the abyss."{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/06/Israel-Yair-Lapid-Palestinians-Iran/396803/|title='Israel Can't Absorb 3.5 Million Palestinians and Remain a Jewish, Democratic State'|first=Jeffrey|last=Goldberg|date=25 June 2015|work=The Atlantic|authorlink=Jeffrey Goldberg|access-date=12 March 2017|archive-date=8 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308031804/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/06/Israel-Yair-Lapid-Palestinians-Iran/396803/|url-status=live}}

In September 2015, Lapid laid out his diplomatic vision in a major speech at Bar Ilan University{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/193711/new-strategic-vision-for-israel|title=A New Strategic Vision for Israel|first=Yair|last=Lapid|date=22 September 2015|work=Tablet|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419193435/http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/193711/new-strategic-vision-for-israel|url-status=live}} in which he said, "Israel's strategic goal needs to be a regional agreement that will lead to full and normal relations with the Arab world and the creation of a demilitarized independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. That's where Israel needs to head. Separation from the Palestinians with strict security measures will save the Jewish character of the state."

Lapid supports recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He stated in 2017 that with Iran attempting to establish a foothold in Syria, Israel cannot be expected to relinquish the Golan Heights.{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Diplomatic-Conference/Lapid-World-must-recognize-Israeli-sovereignty-over-Golan-united-Jerusalem-as-capital-517160|title=Lapid: World must recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan, united Jerusalem as capital|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Gil|last=Hoffman|date=6 December 2017|access-date=24 June 2018|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624181937/https://www.jpost.com/Diplomatic-Conference/Lapid-World-must-recognize-Israeli-sovereignty-over-Golan-united-Jerusalem-as-capital-517160|url-status=live}}

=Religion and state=

In 2013, when Yesh Atid sat in the government, Lapid pushed for increased public transportation on Shabbat, as opposed to the current law that mandates most public transportation shut down.{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-takes-on-religious-status-quo/|title=Lapid takes on the religious status quo|work=The Times of Israel|first=Ron|last=Friedman|date=6 March 2013|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624151817/https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-takes-on-religious-status-quo/|url-status=live}}

Additionally, Lapid strongly supports recognition of civil marriage in Israel. Currently, marriage and divorce for Jews are controlled by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, which will not officiate marriages between Jews and non-Jews, and some Israelis from the Soviet Union who are not Jewish according to the Rabbinate's interpretation of Jewish law therefore cannot marry other Jews in Israel.{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Senior-national-religious-rabbis-declare-opposition-to-civil-marriage-504117|title=New campaign reopens debate on civil marriage in Israel|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Jeremy|last=Sharon|date=4 September 2017|access-date=24 June 2018|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624205753/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Senior-national-religious-rabbis-declare-opposition-to-civil-marriage-504117|url-status=live}} Although Israel recognizes civil marriages that are performed abroad, there is no mechanism for performing civil marriage in Israel. In 2015, under Lapid's leadership, Yesh Atid championed a bill to institute civil marriage, but the bill was defeated in the Knesset, with 50 votes against and 39 in favor.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/why-is-there-no-civil-marriage-in-israel/|title=Why is there no civil marriage in Israel?|work=The Times of Israel|first=Eric|last=Cortellessa|date=12 July 2015|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624151644/https://www.timesofisrael.com/why-is-there-no-civil-marriage-in-israel/|url-status=live}}

=Israel-diaspora relations=

When Netanyahu granted the Chief Rabbinate a monopoly on conversion to Judaism and walked back his promise to Diaspora Jews in 2017 to build a state-recognized section at the Western Wall where men and women could pray equally, Lapid strongly criticised the decision, saying that the Israeli government alienated "senators, congressmen, the majority of the pro-Israel lobby, major donors, the people we turn to when we need help ensuring that Israel will get advanced weapons, that the military assistance will increase, that there will be sanctions on Iran".{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/MK-Michael-Oren-I-will-vote-against-conversion-bill-even-at-risk-of-getting-fired-497963|title=MK Oren vows to vote against conversion bill at risk of getting fired|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Gil|last=Hoffman|date=26 June 2017|access-date=24 June 2018|archive-date=2 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902113536/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/MK-Michael-Oren-I-will-vote-against-conversion-bill-even-at-risk-of-getting-fired-497963|url-status=live}} He implored American Jews to "not give up on us. We have no intention of giving up on you. We are one people. It might take time. It might take elections. But in a democracy, the majority decides, and the majority in Israel want us to be one nation." Lapid asserts that it is Israel's responsibility to recognize all streams of Judaism, including streams which don't follow Orthodox Jewish Law.{{cite web|url=http://www.herzliyaconference.org/eng/?CategoryID=556&ArticleID=2740|title=MK Yair Lapid: "We have problems of the 21st century; we need solutions for the 21st century, with the leaders of the 21st century."|website=www.herzliyaconference.org|access-date=24 June 2018|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150835/http://www.herzliyaconference.org/eng/?CategoryID=556&ArticleID=2740|url-status=live}}

Lapid is a leading proponent of a deep bipartisan US-Israel relationship. He has upbraided Netanyahu for alienating American Democrats: "The fact that the [Israeli] government completely identifies with the conservative, evangelical faction of the Republican party is dangerous."{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-netanyahu-dangerously-aligning-with-conservative-republicans/|title=Lapid: Netanyahu is 'dangerously' aligning Israel with conservative Republicans|work=The Times of Israel|date=19 May 2018|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624154131/https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-netanyahu-dangerously-aligning-with-conservative-republicans/|url-status=live}}

When Jewish Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch's request to attend the embassy opening in Jerusalem was ignored, Lapid said, "There's no way the government of Israel didn't notice this. It's the job of the Prime Minister's office to look at the list and say: We are nonpartisan and are not just attached to Republicans."

=Haredim=

During the 2013 election campaign, Lapid spoke of "equal shares of the burden" for all Israeli citizens. He said he would work to see all Israeli citizens, including the thousands of Haredim, who had up until that point been exempt from most civil service, be included in military and civil service.{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4336131,00.html|title=Lapid sets agenda for next government|work=Ynet|first=Moran|last=Azulay|date=23 January 2013|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=15 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415130059/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4336131,00.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |author=Mazal Mualem |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/what-is-really-behind-the-share-the-burden-equally-crisis.html |title=Lapid Plan for Ultra-Orthodox to Serve In Israeli Military Must Go Forward |publisher=Al-Monitor |date=1 February 2013 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=15 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415101028/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/what-is-really-behind-the-share-the-burden-equally-crisis.html |url-status=live }} On 27 May 2013, Lapid threatened to topple the government unless ultra-Orthodox would be subject to criminal sanctions for draft-dodging. In the view of some Haredim, Lapid's plan represents a "spiritual holocaust", as they believe that their Jewish studies are what upholds Israel. Some Haredim have declared that even at the risk of being criminals, they will continue in their Jewish studies and refuse to enlist or perform civilian service.{{cite web |first=Ofra |last=Edelman |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/lapid-threatens-to-topple-government-unless-ultra-orthodox-dealt-equal-share-of-idf-burden.premium-1.526268 |title=Lapid Threatens to Topple Government Unless ultra-Orthodox Dealt Equal Share of IDF Burden – National |work=Haaretz |date=27 May 2013 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=15 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315100612/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/lapid-threatens-to-topple-government-unless-ultra-orthodox-dealt-equal-share-of-idf-burden.premium-1.526268 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.575504 |title=Lapid Praises Bill That Would Criminalize Haredi Draft-dodging |first=Jonathan |last=Lis |work=Haaretz |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402182841/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.575504 |url-status=live }} Lapid denied that he was seeking to destroy the Haredi way of life, saying: "Not one of us wishes, Heaven forbid, to force hiloniyut [secularism] on you or to impose our version of Israeli identity. This state was established so that Jews could be Jews, and live as Jews, without having to fear anyone."{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/133463/video-lapid-to-haredim-we-need-you|title=Lapid to Ultra-Orthodox: "We Need You"|work=Tablet|first=Yair|last=Rosenberg|authorlink=Yair Rosenberg|date=31 May 2013|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=1 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701133732/https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/video-lapid-to-haredim-we-need-you|url-status=live}}

=Stance on alleged anti-Israel bias=

Lapid is a vocal opponent of the BDS movement, which seeks to economically isolate Israel, saying that "we can no longer abandon this battle to the haters of Israel. We need to defend Israel's good name in the world. They are besmirching us, and the time has come to answer them." Lapid has also helped college students in the United States oppose BDS.{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Lapid-begins-campaign-against-BDS-437402|title=Lapid begins campaign against BDS|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Gil|last=Hoffman|date=15 December 2015|access-date=24 June 2018|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624181732/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Lapid-begins-campaign-against-BDS-437402|url-status=live}}

Lapid has repeatedly accused the United Nations of bias against Israel. He has sharply criticized the United Nations Human Rights Council for voting for "61 resolutions condemning human rights abuses across the world, and 67 resolutions which condemned Israel" in the past decade, claiming that this demonstrates an agenda against Israel. Lapid blames UNESCO for "erasing Jewish history".{{cite news|url=http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/how-unesco-erases-history/|title=How UNESCO erases history|work=The Times of Israel|first=Yair|last=Lapid|date=18 October 2016|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624152313/http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/how-unesco-erases-history/|url-status=live}}

He has pointed to the creation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) as an example of alleged bias, noting that it services only Palestinian refugees and gives them hereditary status so that the number of refugees has expanded from approximately 750,000 to five million.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-united-nations-has-lost-it/|title=The United Nations has lost it|first=Yair|last=Lapid|work=The Times of Israel|date=20 June 2016|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624152715/http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-united-nations-has-lost-it/|url-status=live}}

Lapid has in various instances asserted that presenting "both sides" of the conflict in effect "serves Hamas," and has argued in support of only showing the Israeli side.[https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231025-ex-israel-pm-an-objective-media-serves-hamas/ "Ex-Israel PM: An objective media serves Hamas" 10/25/2023]

= Amendment to the Act on the Institute of National Remembrance =

Lapid, whose father was a Holocaust survivor, spoke out against Poland's controversial Holocaust bill, which would criminalize accusing the Polish nation of being complicit in the Holocaust. Lapid said: "No Polish law will change history. Poland was complicit in the Holocaust. Hundreds of thousands of Jews were murdered on its soil without them having met any German officer."{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/pm-slams-absurd-polish-bill-says-the-holocaust-cannot-be-denied/|title=PM slams 'baseless' Polish bill, says 'the Holocaust cannot be denied'|work=The Times of Israel|date=27 January 2018|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624152623/https://www.timesofisrael.com/pm-slams-absurd-polish-bill-says-the-holocaust-cannot-be-denied/|url-status=live}} He added that his "grandmother was murdered in Poland by Germans and Poles".{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-poland-was-complicit-in-the-holocaust-new-bill-cant-change-history/|title=Lapid: Poland was complicit in the Holocaust, new bill 'can't change history|work=The Times of Israel|date=27 January 2018|access-date=22 August 2019|archive-date=12 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112063132/https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-poland-was-complicit-in-the-holocaust-new-bill-cant-change-history/|url-status=live}} Lapid also wrote that there were "Polish death camps". The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum stated that Lapid's claims about alleged Polish cooperation in the Holocaust were a "conscious lie" and that Lapid was "using Holocaust as a political game" that mocked the victims, also likening his allegation to the claims made by Holocaust deniers.{{cite news|url=https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/yair-lapid-behaving-like-holocaust-denier-auschwitz-museum-says|title=Yair Lapid's rhetoric on Poland feels like Holocaust denial, Auschwitz museum says|work=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|first=Cnaan|last=Liphshiz|date=10 May 2019|access-date=22 August 2019|archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803050651/https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/yair-lapid-behaving-like-holocaust-denier-auschwitz-museum-says|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = https://www.timesofisrael.com/auschwitz-museum-slams-lapid-lie-after-he-claim-poles-helped-run-death-camps/|title = Auschwitz museum slams Lapid 'lie' after he claims Poles helped run death camps|website = The Times of Israel|access-date = 8 October 2021|archive-date = 8 October 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211008234713/https://www.timesofisrael.com/auschwitz-museum-slams-lapid-lie-after-he-claim-poles-helped-run-death-camps/|url-status = live}}

In February 2018, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that "there were Jewish perpetrators" of the Holocaust, "not only German perpetrators".{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/benjamin-netanyahu-mateusz-morawiecki-jews-perpetrators-holocaust-munich-security-conference-a8216421.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/benjamin-netanyahu-mateusz-morawiecki-jews-perpetrators-holocaust-munich-security-conference-a8216421.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Benjamin Netanyahu attacks Polish PM for saying Jews were among perpetrators of the Holocaust|work=The Independent|date=18 February 2018|first=Maya|last=Oppenheim|accessdate=5 March 2021}}{{cbignore}} Lapid condemned Morawiecki's words, saying: "The perpetrators are not the victims. The Jewish state will not allow the murdered to be blamed for their own murder."{{cite news |title=Israel: Polish PM's 'Jewish perpetrators' Holocaust remark 'outrageous' |url=https://www.dw.com/en/israel-polish-pms-jewish-perpetrators-holocaust-remark-outrageous/a-42632414 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=18 February 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035612/https://www.dw.com/en/israel-polish-pms-jewish-perpetrators-holocaust-remark-outrageous/a-42632414 |url-status=live }}

Lapid's book Memories After My Death chronicles his father's life and observations as Israel evolved over its first sixty years.{{cite news|url=https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250044013|title=Memories After My Death {{!}} Yair Lapid {{!}} Macmillan|work=US Macmillan|access-date=24 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150725/https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250044013|url-status=live}}

Awards and recognition

In April 2013, Lapid appeared on Time magazine's list of "100 Most Influential People in the World 2013" in the category Leaders. The following month, he ranked first on the list of the "Most Influential Jews in the World" by The Jerusalem Post. He also was listed as one of the "Foreign Policy Global Thinkers 2013".