Yair Lapid

Lapid's offer of a safety net thereby allows for the deal to still be implemented regardless of opposition from right-wing ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir.

Hamas announced on Friday night that they would release all 48 hostages, but that the 72 hour US deadline is unrealistic.

Herzog also emphasized that Hamas must also agree to the plan in order to "allow a future of hope for the peoples of the region."

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a safety net to pass a hostage deal and ceasefire bill in the Knesset several times in 2025.

Professors Uriel Abulof and Yossi Shain tell The Media Line that the opposition’s fate hinges on legitimacy, unity, and courage to build a true democratic alternative.

The politicians and regional heads call to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank come after the UK, Canada, Portugal, and Australia recognized a Palestinian state.

Both Gantz and Lapid have voiced that they would provide Netanyahu with a “safety-net” for a hostage deal, offering political backing without preconditions. Yet, the two also have opposing opinions.

The group agreed to establish a professional body to work on guidelines for the next government, a constitution, universal national service, and safeguarding Israel’s identity.

Even with boycotts, sanctions, and embargoes making life harder, Israel will continue trading, innovating, and exporting, at the same time as it develops greater self-reliance. 

Yair Lapid stressed that Israel should prioritize defense before discussing optimistic future possibilities.

Lapid discussed the need to create a new organization of "democratic nations", while he pointed out the bias that exists towards Israel currently in the UN.