BICOM

In his first major speech since entering politics on 8 January, former journalist Yair Lapid pledged he would represent middle-class secular Israelis in what he described as a fight over the country’s future. Lapid particularly criticized corrupt politicians, tycoons and ultra-Orthodox leaders.

“Israeliness is under attack, but we can still stand up and say this country is ours and we are demanding it back,” Lapid said. He outlined a four-step plan for “changing the operating system of the country.” This included changing the country’s political system; repealing laws that help ultra-Orthodox avoid secular studies and army service; fighting corruption and encouraging economic growth.

In his speech, Lapid also said the “damaged” system of government has turned politics into a “corrupt game in which we [secular Israelis] are constantly controlled by extortive sectors and factions.” Lapid was specifically talking about the ultra-Orthodox party Shas, which, “with its 11 (Knesset) seats, has the entire country wrapped around its finger. Look how United Torah Judaism, which is even smaller than Shas, conquered the Finance Committee. Why? Because they know what they want.” Shas in response said that Lapid was trying to “blind the Israeli public, but the public is intelligent enough to understand this is deception.”