Lapid Debunks Five Myths About the Israeli Elections

Mazal Mualem

Jan 25, 2013

Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid (There's a Future) party, speaks to members of the media outside his home in Tel Aviv January 23, 2013. Lapid, a former television news anchor whose new centrist party stormed to second place in Israel's election, may well be the kingmaker holding the keys to the next coalition government. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (ISRAEL - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) — Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid (There's a Future) party, speaks to reporters outside his home in Tel Aviv, Jan. 23, 2013. — REUTERS/Amir Cohen

עִברִית

A fair number of myths that had taken root in Israeli political discourse were debunked in these elections. The following are the five most important ones:

“The Israeli public has veered to the right”

Ultra-Orthodox Shas party campaign stickers depicting party leader Aryeh Deri (R) and spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (L), are seen on a car in Jerusalem January 17, 2013. A fixture in successive governments, Shas, the ultra-Orthodox party draws its support from the fast-growing community of religious Jews of Middle Eastern origin whose spiritual leader is the 92-year-old, Iraqi-born rabbi Ovadia Yosef. According to opinion polls, it will maintain its 11 seats in parliament. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (JERUSAL

Ultra-Orthodox Parties Not in Netanyahu’s Pocket

Akiva Eldar

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - FEBRUARY 05: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli president Shimon Peres pose for a photograph with the heads of the parties of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) during a reception marking the opening of the 19th Knesset on February 5, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel.The 120 members of the Knesset included a record 48 new law makers. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

Obama's Roadmap for the New Israeli Government

Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Hatnua party leader and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni gestures after the swearing-in ceremony of the 19th Knesset, the new Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem February 5, 2013. REUTERS/Uriel Sinai/Pool (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3DDXP

Tzipi Livni Flirts With Role In Netanyahu’s New Government

Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) leaves the Likud-Yisrael Beitenu headquarters in Tel Aviv January 23, 2013. Hawkish Prime Minister Netanyahu emerged the bruised winner of Israel's election on Tuesday, claiming victory despite unexpected losses to resurgent centre-left challengers. REUTERS/Nir Elias (ISRAEL - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTR3CTC8

Netanyahu Victory Leaves Out Likud

Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

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Lapid Debunks Five Myths About the Israeli Elections

Mazal Mualem reviews five lessons learned from the Israeli elections.

Lapid Debunks Five Myths About the Israeli Elections

Mazal Mualem reviews five lessons learned from the Israeli elections.

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