Israel general discussion

[RodPresident]

He's host of a very popular Israel's talk show and a sucessful writer. His father Tomy Lapid (died in 2008) led liberal-secularist Shinui into a 3rd place in 2003 elections, after a Labour weak showing. He have a good appeal among liberal and urban people that would go to Yachimovich and can attract centrist Kadimists too. Aryeh Deri is a former Shas leader who was convicted for receiving bribery, but he retains a great amount of support. Noah Shalit (Gilad's father) plans to run in Labour list.

[RodPresident]

A poll from Yediot that looks bad for Bibi:

Likud 27
Labour 21
Yisrael Beitenu 13
Future (Lapid) 13
Shas 10
Kadima 7
National Union 6
UTJ 6
Meretz 4
Mafdal (Jewish Home) 4
Hadash 4
UAL 4
Independence 2

What kind of government would come out of an election like that?

Bibi still would have a majority, although he wouldn't have margin for more measures, as religious parties would be decisive. But losing 1st place to Yehimovich would be embarrassing. If Netanyahu is desiring to go for a non-religious coalition with Labour, Future, Kadima and Independence, he would get 70 seats, but it would backfire a lot at Likud and make Lieberman happy.

[RodPresident]

Why is Lapid so unpopular? Is it because of his coalition with Bibi, or a different reason?

It's a tradition for Centrist parties to rise and fall quickly, so this is normal. Add to that the fact that he is finance minister, which means that you're the face of any tax hikes or spending cuts.

And you're forgetting that Orthodox Jews hate him for being out of government.