looks like the media screwed up again big time. The moderate Yesh Atid took control in the Israeli

[still_one]

election. They indicated they would only join a government committed to sweeping economic changes, and a serious push to resume peach talks with the Palestinians.

Sorry faux and pnacer, you lose again

Maybe there is a chance for peace

[OKNancy]

1. Here is an LBN thread about the results

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014377472

[HiPointDem]

2. Interesting: the party is led by a TV celebrity & is emphasizing rising inequality in Israel

With his good looks and suave manner, Yair Lapid had long been a celebrity and symbol of success here, building a strong following as a prominent journalist and the host of a popular television show.

But by the time the polls closed here Tuesday, it was clear that Mr. Lapid had reinvented himself as one of the most powerful political leaders in the country, leveraging his celebrity and a populist message that resonated.

Mr. Lapid, 49, was the surprise of the Israeli election. His party placed second, when polls said it would come in fourth. He had predicted that he would do better with his outreach to the middle class and his emphasis on social justice and the rising inequalities in society. He was right. His centrist Yesh Atid Party won 19 seats in the 120-seat Parliament, according to preliminary results, positioning Mr. Lapid as the chief power broker in the formation of the next governing coalition.

Though little known abroad, for many here, in this generation, Mr. Lapid became the quintessential Israeli.

His father was a Holocaust survivor who went on to serve as justice minister. His mother is a well-known novelist. A year ago, when Mr. Lapid decided to quit television and enter politics, he set himself the mission of representing the country’s struggling middle class, a long-neglected constituency. He presented a common appeal, refreshing for an Israeli politician. As the author of a widely read column in the weekend supplement of the newspaper Yediot Aharonot, he wrote a column under a title that became his catchphrase: “Where’s the money?”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/23/world/middleeast/yair-lapid-guides-yesh-atid-party-to-success-in-israeli-elections.html?_r=0

[kooljerk666]

3. this is great news.....and a surprise! /nt

[whistler162]

4. I think Netenyahu is only willing for apple talks

not peach talks and well the Palestinians want apricot talks!

[another_liberal]

5. Need I mention . . .?

Need I mention that what you're saying is just fruity?

[oldhippydude]

8. so Netenyahu is hard core, and the new guys a stoner?

by their fruits shall ye know them...

[malaise]

6. I saw this coming

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022185650

[another_liberal]

7. As far as Israeli politics . . .

Last edited Wed Jan 23, 2013, 01:32 PM - Edit history (1)

As far as Israeli politics is concerned, it is hard for one to imagine how a change, just about any change, would not be good.