Yesh Atid

Yesh Atid is a centrist political party in Israel, founded in 2012 by journalist and former television presenter Yair Lapid. The party's name translates to "There is a Future," and it has positioned itself as a secular, liberal alternative focused on socio-economic issues, government reform, and a pragmatic approach to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It rapidly became a major force in Israeli politics, entering the Knesset as the second-largest party in its first election in 2013 and later serving as a key partner in the unity government led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid in 2021.

History

The party was officially established by Yair Lapid in April 2012, capitalizing on his popularity from his career on Channel 2 and columns in Yedioth Ahronoth. In the 2013 Israeli legislative election, it achieved a dramatic result, winning 19 seats and becoming the second-largest faction in the Knesset, after Likud led by Benjamin Netanyahu. This success led to its inclusion in the coalition government led by Netanyahu, where Lapid served as Minister of Finance. The party later joined the short-lived government under Isaac Herzog in the Zionist Union before moving into opposition. A pivotal moment came in 2021, when Yesh Atid played a central role in forming the broad coalition that ended Netanyahu's record tenure, with Lapid first as Minister of Foreign Affairs and then, under a rotation agreement, becoming the Prime Minister of Israel in 2022 after the government's collapse triggered new elections.

Political positions

The party's platform is built on a blend of economic liberalism and social liberalism, advocating for policies to reduce the cost of living and support the middle class. It strongly supports secularism and the reduction of religious coercion, often clashing with Haredi parties over issues like public transportation on Shabbat and civil marriage. On foreign policy and security, it traditionally endorsed the two-state solution and negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, though its rhetoric has hardened following events like the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. The party is a staunch defender of judicial independence and was a leading force in the mass protests against the judicial overhaul proposed by the Netanyahu government.

Leadership and structure

Yair Lapid has been the unchallenged leader and public face since the party's inception, shaping its message and strategy. Other prominent figures have included former Minister of Education Shai Piron, former Minister of Tourism Yael German, and former Minister of Science and Technology Orit Farkash-Hacohen. The party's parliamentary faction has included notable members such as Meir Cohen, Karin Elharrar, and Yoav Segalovitz. Its internal structure is relatively centralized, with Lapid maintaining significant control over candidate lists and policy direction, though it maintains active branches and engages with grassroots movements like the protest movements of 2023.

Electoral history

In its debut in the 2013 Israeli legislative election, the party won 19 seats. Its representation fluctuated in subsequent elections: 11 seats in the April 2019 election, 17 seats in the September 2019 election, and 16 seats in the 2020 Israeli legislative election. It saw a resurgence as the main opposition to Netanyahu, winning 17 seats in the 2021 Israeli legislative election and becoming the core of the anti-Netanyahu bloc. In the 2022 Israeli legislative election, it emerged as the largest party in the opposition with 24 seats. Following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war, it joined the emergency government under Benjamin Netanyahu in a limited role.

Controversies and criticism

The party has faced criticism from both the left and right. Critics on the left, such as Meretz and parts of the Labor Party, have accused it of insufficient commitment to peace efforts and making excessive concessions to right-wing coalition partners, particularly during the Bennett-Lapid government. From the right, especially from Likud and Religious Zionism, it has been attacked as elitist and out of touch with national security realities, particularly after its support for the JCPOA. Its tenure under Lapid as Minister of Finance was marked by disputes with Haredi parties over budget allocations and military draft exemptions. More recently, its decision to join the emergency government in 2023 was criticized by some supporters as legitimizing Netanyahu's leadership.