Lapid Defends Outreach to Americans Willing to Engage With Israel

Yair Lapid defended outreach to Americans willing to engage with Israel on November 5, responding to Dan Senor's criticism of an exchange between Lapid and Brad Lander. Lapid said some Americans wanted to repair relations between the countries, while others would continue pursuing an anti-Israel agenda regardless of changes in Israel. Lapid argued that people determined to oppose Israel would not be persuaded by changes there. He distinguished them from the audience he wanted to reach, saying: “I’m interested in those who are willing to listen and engage.” His response addressed Senor directly. Senor had described Lapid's approach as a good-faith effort but argued that Israeli leaders misunderstood what rising American progressives wanted. Lander, replying to Lapid, had said American voters wanted respect for international law and human rights rather than a speaking tour. In a Hebrew post on November 4, Lapid advocated working with both American political parties. He proposed that representatives of Israel's next government visit both the White House and Congress, listening as well as explaining Israel's position. He also called for outreach beyond Washington to governors, local representatives, Jewish communities, Hispanic leaders, African American churches and younger evangelicals.