Lapid says 'no' to obstructive bloc

Yesh Atid chairman puts rumors suggesting he may choose to thwart PM's attempts to form coalition to rest; says 'results of election are clear. We have to work accordingly, make Israel a better place'

Yoav Zitun, Tzvika Brot|Published: 01.23.13 , 20:20

"Israel has voted for normalcy," Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid said Wednesday, in a first official statement after the party's surprising rise to power in Tuesday's general elections.

Yesh Atid, one of the newcomers to the Israeli political map, was able to secure 19 Knesset seats, effectively making it the second-largest party in the Knesset.

Related stories:

The results have split the House 60-60 between the Right and Center-Left blocs, sparking speculations – and hopes – that Lapid will team with the Left to create an obstructive bloc vis-à-vis Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Right.

Lapid, however, put the speculations to rest: "I've been hearing talk about forming an obstructive bloc, so let's clear that up right now – there will be no obstructive bloc.

"We will not team with (Balad MK) Zoabi to form an obstructive bloc – that is just not going to happen. The results of the election are clear and we have to work accordingly."

Commenting on Netanyahu's victory speech and a subsequent statement made Wednesday, asserting that he will pursue the broadest coalition possible, Lapid said that he was "happy to learn that the PM was talking about the equal distribution of burden.

"I was also happy to hear him say that we need to help the middle class and save the housing and education (systems). we can all live here – and love it here – together.

"I want to thank the thousands of supporters and activists that helped us. I think that (Israel) can become a better place – we are going to make sure it becomes one."