Opposition leader Yair Lapid said he is willing to "give Netanyahu breathing room" only for a hostage deal. At the Security and Service Conference organized by ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth" in partnership with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), he added: "This is the only issue I'm willing to do this for him - a hostage deal - and to set an agreed date for elections with him." Lapid was explicitly asked if he was willing to "give Netanyahu a few more months in office, even six months, eight months?" and replied: "I won't negotiate here, I'm willing to give him breathing room - I'm willing to close with him in a room."

