Lapid said in a statement to the Jerusalem Post newspaper, published yesterday, Wednesday: “Now stopping the war is actually in Israel’s interest,” expressing this as “the first necessary step” along with “removing the Netanyahu government.”
He pointed out that it was important for Israel to launch the military operation, but the matter “has changed since last July.”
He considered that the killing of the head of the political bureau of the faction movement, Yahya Sinwar, provides a new opportunity for the deal, noting that it also “sends an important signal to the Middle East” that Israel will reach anyone who threatens it and will eliminate him, regardless of how long it may take.
The deal to release the detainees as Lapid sees it
According to Lapid, Israel must do two things: first, announce a “safe exit” for anyone who releases Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip, and second, achieve a comprehensive deal to release all detainees at once instead of the three-stage agreement that has been on the negotiating table since last May. .
He said, “The period of releasing people in stages has ended. We need one deal to release those alive and return the bodies for funeral.”
He considered that the Israeli army must end the war before completely eliminating the factional movement, so that the deal could be achieved “because the detainees are dying.”
He added that Israel can do this because it has destroyed the basic elements of the factions’ military movement capabilities, and completely eliminating them may take a long time.
He pointed out that eliminating the movement must be Israel’s strategic priority, but the army can complete this operation after the war stops and the hostages return.
He considered that the “next day” plan must be discussed after the war in the Gaza Strip to ensure that the movement of Palestinian factions does not return to the areas from which they were expelled.
“The void in nature can be filled by anything,” he said. Now this thing is the movement of Palestinian factions, adding that it must be replaced by an international administrative body that may include regional players such as the Saudis, Emiratis and Egyptians, in addition to a branch of the Palestinian Authority.
He added: “This structure must be taken and applied in Gaza. “This is a process, and this will not happen in one day.”
He pointed out that it would be necessary for the Israeli army to maintain control over the Philadelphia Corridor and the Rafah Crossing, so that it would have the ability to enter the Gaza Strip again if necessary. There must be an agreement similar to what exists regarding Areas A and B in the West Bank.
The two-state solution and normalization with Saudi Arabia
Lapid said that he “is still confident in the two-state solution, but not in the state they (the Palestinians) are talking about,” adding that a Palestinian state must be “a peaceful state and a peace-seeking state,” and the Palestinian side must prove that.
He stressed that it would be necessary to “ensure that a Palestinian state does not turn into a new terrorist state,” considering that the establishment of a Palestinian state would be impossible during the next five or six years.
According to Lapid, the option of establishing a Palestinian state must be on the table so that Israel is able to move forward with the normalization process with Saudi Arabia, considering this necessary to confront Iran and its agents.
He added: “We have a regional issue and it needs a regional solution,” considering that an alliance with Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the countries that signed the Abraham Accords would be “an appropriate alliance to deal with the hegemonic ambitions of the Iranians and the nuclear file.” Therefore, we must move in this direction.”
Lapid criticized Benjamin Netanyahu’s current government, considering that it does not intend to move forward with a hostage release deal or a regional peace agreement, and therefore considers replacing it a “strategic necessity.”
Source: “Jerusalem Post”
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Interview with Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Yair Lapid. You recently stated in an interview that stopping the war is in Israel’s interest. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is the first necessary step?
Yair Lapid: Thank you for having me. The continuation of conflict does not serve anyone’s interests, particularly Israel’s. While military operations were necessary at their inception, the situation has evolved since last July. It’s clear that stopping the violence will allow us to focus on rebuilding and negotiating a sustainable peace.
Interviewer: You mentioned removing the Netanyahu government as part of the solution. What role do you see political leadership playing in this context?
Yair Lapid: Leadership matters significantly in times of crisis. The current government’s approach has not led to a viable long-term strategy. A change in leadership can foster new dialogues and pave the way for an effective peace process.
Interviewer: In your opinion, how does the recent killing of Yahya Sinwar alter the landscape for negotiations?
Yair Lapid: Sinwar’s elimination sends a strong message to the entire region that Israel will not hesitate to act against those who threaten its security. However, it also opens a door for discussions about releasing Israeli detainees. This is an opportunity for us to negotiate a comprehensive deal for all hostages rather than dragging the process out.
Interviewer: You advocate for a comprehensive deal to release all detainees simultaneously. Why is this approach better than the previously proposed three-stage agreement?
Yair Lapid: The step-by-step process has proven ineffective and has left families in despair for far too long. A single comprehensive deal would bring closure and ensure that all detainees, both living and deceased, are returned without delay.
Interviewer: Regarding the broader strategy, you mentioned that the Israeli army should focus on eliminating factional movement capabilities post-war. How do you propose they approach this without exacerbating tensions?
Yair Lapid: It’s essential to prioritize the safety of our hostages and end the fighting first. We can address the military aspect afterward. Moreover, there has to be a strategic plan for the “next day” in Gaza. An international administrative body involving regional players could help fill the void created post-conflict. This is a complex process, but it’s critical to ensure that the Palestinian factions do not regain power.
Interviewer: what message do you hope to convey through these proposed steps and ideas?
Yair Lapid: The main message is that we need to take a pragmatic approach. Ending the conflict and re-establishing stability in the region will require courage, new leadership, and cooperation with our neighbors. It’s a difficult path, but one that must be taken to ensure a secure future for all.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Lapid, for sharing your insights with us today.
Yair Lapid: Thank you for having me.
Eceased, are returned to their families quickly and efficiently. The situation is urgent, and we can’t wait any longer while lives are at stake.
Interviewer: You also mentioned the importance of a post-war plan. What do you envision for the “next day” after the conflict in Gaza?
Yair Lapid: A thorough and well-structured plan is essential. We need to ensure that once the military operation concludes, we prevent the resurgence of militant factions. This will require an international administrative body, potentially involving regional players like the Saudis, Emiratis, and Egyptians, along with the Palestinian Authority. We must create a stable environment to deter violence and promote peace.
Interviewer: Regarding the two-state solution, you expressed confidence but with caveats. How do you propose ensuring that a future Palestinian state does not become a terrorist state?
Yair Lapid: It’s crucial that the Palestinian state we talk about is a peaceful entity committed to coexistence. We need robust mechanisms to ensure that any such state rejects terrorism and violence. This involves thorough guarantees and a collaborative approach with our regional partners. Achieving that goal will take time, and I realistically don’t see it happening within the next five or six years.
Interviewer: Your remarks on normalization with Saudi Arabia suggest a regional strategy. How important is this, particularly in dealing with Iran?
Yair Lapid: The normalization talks with Saudi Arabia are vital. We face a regional challenge posed by Iran, and collaboration with Saudi Arabia and others will bolster our security. A united front that includes the U.S. and our partners from the Abraham Accords will be instrumental in addressing Iranian ambitions and their nuclear pursuits.
Interviewer: you criticized the Netanyahu government for its approach. What do you think needs to change in the current administration to facilitate progress toward peace?
Yair Lapid: Leadership must be proactive and open to negotiation. Netanyahu’s government has shown reluctance to pursue necessary peace agreements or meaningful hostage release negotiations. We need a government that is willing to engage constructively, prioritize humanitarian considerations, and genuinely invest in regional stability. A strategic change is essential for moving forward.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Yair Lapid.
Yair Lapid: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue these conversations for the future of Israel and its neighbors.