Rookie politician tells supporters Bibi-Mofaz unity deal left his Yesh Atid party as ´only representative of sane middle class´

Yair Lapid, chairman of the Yesh Atid party, published a letter to supporters on Tuesday addressing the decision of Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz to join a unity government.

"This is the chance of a lifetime. Without understanding what they were doing, Mofaz and (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu have made us the only alternative for the sane center," the journalist-turned- politician wrote in the letter, which was published following Netanyahu and Mofaz´s joint press conference.

"I know you are disappointed with the past day´s developments because as citizens it pains you to see how cynicism has taken over the entire political sphere and how no one is even pretending to care. You are also disappointed because we could already taste it. We already launched our (election) campaign," Lapid wrote.

"I felt the same way for about two hours, and then I realized this was the opportunity of a lifetime. Kadima has gone back to being what it has always been – a part of Likud. Labor and Meretz are on the Left. In one day we have become the only representatives of the sane middle class," the rookie politician told his supporters.

"Twenty-eight mandates are now up for grabs in the center of the political map. They could be ours. You can also add all those who are infuriated by the old and immoral politics we have witnessed (today)."

During the press conference, Mofaz explained Kadima´s decision to join the coalition, "There are moments in a nation´s life that it is called to make serious decisions. I believe that the time has come to change world orders.

"This is a historic move of national unity which is important for the State´s future. A coalition of 94 MKs will better handle the challenges," he said. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/08/12)