MK Elazar Stern, a member of the Yesh Atid party, expressed his openness to the idea of serving under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a unity government during an interview at the IDF’s Radio Station. Stern's remarks generated buzz as he mentioned, "I would be delighted if Netanyahu extended such an offer. Should it materialize, we would certainly entertain the idea and discuss it. Personally, I've never opposed a unity government devoid of extremist elements."
However, Stern's party did not resonate with this sentiment. Yesh Atid promptly issued a statement post-interview, distancing itself from Stern's views. The statement read, "The expressed views are purely Elazar Stern's and do not reflect the party's stance. Even if such a discussion arises, Yesh Atid has no intention of becoming a part of Netanyahu's administration."
יש עתיד בדרך לממשלת אחדות עם נתניהו? ח"כ @Elazar_stern ל-#ספי_ויניר: "אשמח שתהיה הצעה כזאת על השולחן"@sefiova @yanircozin pic.twitter.com/1DfiNA2QIz
— גלצ (@GLZRadio) August 14, 2023
For context, it's pertinent to highlight that Yesh Atid's Chairman, Yair Lapid, had recently addressed the prospect of a unity government with Netanyahu. Lapid's perspective was markedly different. He stated, "When questioned about alternative coalition scenarios, my stance is unambiguous. Collaborating with Netanyahu doesn't signify unity. It merely implies that the entire opposition has capitulated. My long-cherished vision of a coalition centers around Yesh Atid, the Likud, and the Blue and White Party. The contemporary Likud essentially operates as two entities under one banner, with its essence being that of a liberal national party. A genuine unity government is indeed desirable, but its success with Netanyahu at the helm is doubtful."
חה"כ אלעזר שטרן מיש עתיד: "אשמח שנתניהו יציע ממשלת אחדות" https://t.co/lmsQwbudCo
— החדשות - N12 (@N12News) August 14, 2023
📸 יונתן זינדל, פלאש 90 pic.twitter.com/yhbdPLJ8qZ
When probed further about Netanyahu's fitness for the top job, both mentally and physically, Lapid responded, "I am not qualified to comment on his health since I'm not a medical professional. As for his aptitude, it's not for me to decide. However, I firmly believe his tenure as prime minister leaves much to be desired. There was a time he exemplified leadership, but those days seem behind us. The so-called full right-wing government experiment has unequivocally failed. This administration, including the prime minister, seems aloof from the real-world challenges faced by its citizens."
Yesh Atid MK defies Lapid, calls for unity government with Netanyahu: Elazar Stern's faction leader and opposition head Yair Lapid said that a unity government with Netanyahu's Likud would "ruin the country." JPost https://t.co/cSFcGNUHdl pic.twitter.com/3LNHhihxyU
— Jewish Community (@JComm_NewsFeeds) August 14, 2023
It's worth noting that Stern's perspective would have been less unexpected had he been affiliated with Benny Gantz's faction. Gantz has often demonstrated a propensity to consider a unity government under specific terms. In contrast, Yesh Atid has consistently maintained a hard line, refraining from endorsing any coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu.
