Yair Lapid

Yair Lapid is a Tel Aviv-born center-left Israeli politician. He is the founder and chairman of the Yesh Atid political party.


Lapid served as the alternate Prime Minister to Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister in a 2021 coalition government. He had also previously served as Finance Minister in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government from 2013-2014.


Yair Lapid began his public career as a journalist and TV presenter, before branching out into politics in 2012 with the formation of Yesh Atid.

Lapid calls Netanyahu's gov't 'illegitimate' following Shas's exit from coalition

Israeli officials react to Shas's decision to exit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

  Head of opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025.
 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, with a map of the Middle East (Illustrative).

Netanyahu: 'My Druze brothers, do not cross the border into Syria, let the IDF do its job'

 IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, July 6, 2025.

'Etched in our hearts forever': Netanyahu, Israeli officials mourn five soldiers killed in Gaza

  Head of opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025.

Lapid to support impeachment of MK Ayman Odeh over Gaza remarks


Lapid meets with president of UAE to discuss regional developments, hostage deal

Lapid reiterated a promise that his party would lend its 23 votes to any initiative aimed at bringing the hostages home.

 Israeli Opposition head, Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Ben-Gvir rallies Smotrich to block Gaza ceasefire, opposition offers Netanyahu 'safety net'

Yair Lapid said the opposition would offer Netanyahu support to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal, should Ben-Gvir and Smotrich oppose.

 Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attend a plenum session on forming the government, in the Israeli parliament, on December 29, 2022.

Netanyahu conducts an orchestra while Israel’s leaderless opposition misses every beat - analysis

As long as Netanyahu’s opponents refuse to harmonize – preferring ego trips, tactical racism, and mutual intimidation – Israel’s longest-serving premier will keep setting the score.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits at the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit and caused damage at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, June 20, 2025.

Netanyahu thanks Trump for message calling to end trial, says he looks forward to collaboration

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid told Ynet that Trump should not interfere in Israel’s legal affairs.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ministers and MK's attend a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on May 28, 2025.

Opposition leaders call for end to Gaza war following Iran ceasefire

“Alongside painful loss, bereavement, and sorrow on the civilian front, Operation ‘Rising Lion’ has brought with it historic strategic achievements,” Gantz said.

 Head of opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 9, 2025.

'Crushing victory' or 'jarring and bitter' mistake? Israel weighs in on the ceasefire with Iran

The US-brokered ceasefire was violated by an Iranian missile fired towards northern Israel just hours after the truce took effect.

 People take cover as siren warns of incoming missiles fired from Iran, at a public bomb shelter in Jerusalem, June 15, 2025.

Israel's president, opposition heads hail 'historic night' as Trump joins Iran strikes

"This brave step serves the security and safety of the entire free world. I hope it will lead to a better future for the Middle East," President Isaac Herzog said in a statment.

 US President Donald Trump delivers an address following strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, June 21, 2025

Israeli opposition head calls on Trump to join war against Iran

"In talks with international officials and in the international press, I repeatedly say - the US must join this battle. A nuclear Iran is a threat to the entire world, not just Israel,” Lapid said.

 Head of opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 9, 2025.

Lawmaker's home hit in barrage, opposition leader's son also affected

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid’s son’s home was also damaged.

 MK Hanoch Milwidsky attends a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on November 25, 2024.

Opposition leader Lapid: As Iran vows our destruction, Israel unites behind Netanyahu - opinion

Prime Minister Netanyahu is my political rival but his decision to strike Iran at this moment in time is the right one. The whole country is united in this moment, nothing will divide us.

 Head of opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 9, 2025.

Operation 'Rising Lion': Targeted op. to neutralize 'immediate existential threat' - Herzog

Israeli politicians react to Israel's airstrikes on Iran as part of Operation "Rising Lion."

 President Isaac Herzog.