Yair Lapid

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: budget for war and reservists • Yair Lapid: Middle class is tired of being exploited

Tens of thousands gathered across protest centers in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and across Israeli cities in a call to preserve Israeli democracy and to release the hostages remaining in Hamas captivity.

Lapid said the "violent and extortionate bill" would be repealed in the first week of next Knesset.

The party leaders who participated in the meeting included the opposition leader, National Unity chairman, and Democrats chairman.

Lapid highlighted the country's deficit, warning of the dangers of it ballooning out of control and sending Israel's interest on debt repayment soaring even higher.

Lapid's plan is divided into four categories that aim to address these challenges: incentives and investments, changing the government structure, education and training, and national projects.

"He and we face many operational and ethical challenges. I am confident that he will lead the IDF in rebuilding after the largest disaster in our history," Lapid wrote.

"Bar must think the public is stupid," Ben-Gvir wrote, adding, "the Shin Bet itself was the one that blocked the worsening of conditions for terrorists in prison."

The voters want to punish Lapid—who wasn't in power on October 7—more than they want to punish Netanyahu, who was in power and bears responsibility.

In response to the controversy, Lapid stated, "It's a shame I didn't see such outrage when Orit Strock said that we should give up on the hostages and abandon them to die."