Lapid promises: We will only join a government who resumes negotiations

After introducing the candidates who will join him at the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Yesh Atid Party, Yair Lapid, took time today to introduce his political – security platform.

At a conference held this evening (Tuesday) at the Ariel University Center, Lapid spread out his political- security philosophy to his supporters which was written by former Ma'ariv journalist, Ofer Shelah, who announced his joining the party.

"I deliberately chose to introduce Yesh Atid's political platform here in Ariel," Lapid said. "This is a statement that Israeli dialogue should be conducted through listening and in principle that boycotts and ostracisms lead nowhere. I oppose with all my might to boycott the Ariel settlement or any other place in Judea and Samaria."

Lapid stated: "The Yesh Atid party will not join a government that does not return to the table of state negotiations. Netanyahu's claim that there are no partners is an attempt to evade reality." The chairman added "unilateral steps do not help. Our job is to reach an agreement, so we must return to negotiations. While we sit there new settlements will not be establish, but we will not freeze existing settlements due to natural growth and you must build a kindergarten."

Before the conference three Meretz activists broke into the hall and scattered papers which looked like paper money with an illustration of Lapid on them. The activists held signs reading: "The money is in the settlements."

Earlier this week Lapid introduced his list. Number two on the Yesh Atid party is Rabbi Shay Piron. Third place on the list is probably Herzliya Mayor Yael German, a former member of Meretz, who will be one of four women in the top ten.

Following her - though the exact location is still not known - Dr. Aliza Lavie, Dimona Mayor Meir Cohen, who moved from Yisrael Beiteinu, Attorney Karin Elharar, Yaakov Peri, former Olympic judoka and member of the Netanya Municipality and Dr. Joel Razvozov and Dr. Adi Kol. It is currently not clear where former ISA chief and retiring Mizrahi Bank chairman Yaacov Perry – who's recruitment to Lapid's party drew much criticism - and former journalist Ofer Shelah will be placed.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!