For the first time since its founding, the collapsing Yesh Atid party is experiencing something that feels like a primary.
According to Yehuda Schlesinger on the 'Walla' website, although there are no functionaries, no polling stations, no deals between camps - there is still tension, competition, pressure. Suddenly, in the Knesset committees, the 'Yesh Atid' MKs are shouting louder, in the plenum they are more disruptive.
Because every opportunity to make a headline is also an opportunity to remind Yair Lapid, who will soon have to compile the list: I'm still here.
In short, they are looking for fasting people.
According to Schlesinger, the reason is simple: almost half of the faction understands that it may find itself outside the Knesset.
The math is simple: Today, Yesh Atid has 24 Knesset members. According to estimates, the agreement between Lapid and Naftali Bennett stipulates that four Yesh Atid candidates will be placed in each tenth place on the joint list - that is, only about 12 places up to 30th place.
This is actually a significant negotiation achievement by Lapid, as only a few months ago there were those who estimated that he would have had to settle for six, or perhaps even just four, representatives.
The list of those who will fight for the very few seats on the "Together" list, which according to Shlomo Filber's survey is already in the single-digit range, is long: Meir Cohen, Karin Elharar, Meirav Cohen, Mickey Levy, Meirav Ben Ari, Ram Ben Barak, Yoav Segalovich, Naor Shiri, Michal Shir, Yurai Lahav-Herzno, Debbie Biton, Simon Davidson and others.
According to Schlesinger, it is precisely the uncertainty that creates the pressure. As far as Lapid is concerned, there is no reason to rush. As long as the list is not closed, the MKs are working harder.
And this fear of being left out causes MKs to take particularly embarrassing steps.
For example, this evening (Saturday night), after another embarrassing interview by Yair Lapid was broadcast on the program 'Meet the Press,' some MKs published flattering messages to the chairman:
Karin Elharrar: "Yair Lapid's interview on 'Meet the Press' reminded me anew of the reason I made an excellent choice 14 years ago. The man always sees the country before everything else. But really. A rare politician.".
Shelly Tal Miron: "I have always felt that Yair Lapid speaks for my Israeliness and values. I came to politics because of him and for the future of the country. The good of the country was always before his eyes and always before the good of the party or his political path.
"Decent, honest and ethical leadership.".
Naor Shiri: "There is no one in all of Israeli politics who is able to give up their ego, to put the State of Israel and its future at the center of decision-making, except Yair Lapid. And on top of that, the elections.".
"Yair Lapid once again reminded us that true and worthy leadership is the ability to put one's ego aside for the sake of repairing the country. Unity is the mobilization of the right forces for the sake of repairing the country and returning it to its rightful place.".
