I often debate with myself the merits of the political center in Israel and whether there even is such a thing. To the extent that such a political force is part of Israeli politics, Yair Lapid is its self-proclaimed theorist and presenter.

There have been centrist parties before; Merkaz Party, which literally translates to the Center Party, and Kadima, which brought politicians from both Likud and Labour to form an alternative political vehicle in service of Ariel Sharon’s grand ambitions more than a clear political ideology.

For over a decade now, Yesh Atid, with Lapid as its leader and founder, has been the most enduring centrist political project – it identifies as such and engages in the discourse about what the political center means. It sought to sell a political moderate ideology, policy over populism, radical pragmatism. It has often failed to convince the public of its intentions; it has frequently seemed devoid of substance.

And yet Lapid has done something most of his colleagues in the Knesset haven’t – he endured and adapted. He has built a strong grassroots party apparatus, served in both government and opposition, merged with allies and rivals, and forgone the opportunity to be party leader multiple times for the greater good or for political wins. In nothing more than this, Lapid has proven that he excels at the political game.

All that is to say........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)