Israeli Opposition Leader Warns Netanyahu Re-election Ends Zionism, Collapses Israel

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has issued a stark warning that another election victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition would lead to "the end of Zionism" and the collapse of Israel. Speaking at his Yesh Atid party conference, Lapid described the current period as Israel's last chance to save the country, emphasizing the need for a constitution, anti-corruption measures, and stronger protections for the judiciary and law enforcement to preserve democracy and liberal values. He portrayed the choice facing Israelis as between becoming a prosperous, democratic nation or descending into a "violent and backward third-world country" where Judaism is turned into racism. Lapid also criticized Netanyahu's government for its handling of hostages and the Gaza conflict, calling for unity behind Yesh Atid to prevent further deterioration. Meanwhile, within U.S. political circles, the national conservatism movement faces internal divisions over support for Israel, reflecting debates about America's role in Middle East conflicts under the Trump administration. These tensions underscore the broader geopolitical challenges Israel confronts amid its internal political crisis and international scrutiny.