At present, Yair Lapid is isolated as parties continue jockeying for position ahead of elections. It appears that Labor has joined ranks with The Movement and Kadima, while a number of parties have already signed surplus votes agreements. However, Yesh Atid and its leader Yair Lapid remain alone amid bleak election polls showing the party will be decimated in the upcoming elections.

Lapid’s tenacious anti-chareidi hashkafa has landed him in isolation as none of the other parties wish to be associated with his chareidi ban. The leaders of the major parties on the left and right are now viewing the chareidi parties as an essential component of the new coalition. According to the most conservative polls, Yahadut Hatorah and Shas will have a minimum of 15 seats.

In an effort to increase his voter appeal and representation in the new 20th Knesset, Lapid attempted to join forces with Moshe Kahlon, whose announced commitment to a social platform places him at about 10 seats according to the polls. Kahlon, a former Likud minister, is not having any part of Lapid’s tainted anti-chareidi image and politely declined the offer.

Lapid’s generous offer included a rotation for the party leadership between him and Kahlon and the latter would also be permitted to bring a number of his people along to high positions on the lineup.

Realizing his growing popularity and reading the political map, Kahlon prefers to go it alone and thereby leaving himself open to any coalition possibilities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)