Biggest news in Israeli politics yday was internal challenge to Yair Lapid's rule in Yesh Atid party by his #2 (& close friend) Ofer Shelach. Context:
-Lapid is oppo leader, YA 2nd largest party in Knesset
-Shelach goes back w Lapid 30+ yrs & to YA founding in '12

What happened?

Shelach demanding open primaries in party (it's been 1-man rule) & said clearly he's going to challenge for leadership. Says YA has reached dead end under current leadership. Also said Lapid did not respond to prior efforts at raising issue. Dramatic stuff.

Lapid for his part says (correctly) that primaries could undermine party w internal politics/outside interests & anyway YA is 2nd largest party & only clear alternative for now to Likud rule.

Are first ever primaries 6 months before likely elex truly the right time for this?

Shelach (for my money) is 1 smartest ppl in Israeli politics. Also been true friend/loyal to Lapid. So what's the game? Unclear. Lapid hinting may be personal ambition. Others claiming it's effort to move party to the left. But none of it explains wider damage this may have...

Best guess:
-Shelach has seen polls, YA under Lapid has 'glass ceiling' for votes
-Knows party needs new figures, heavy hitters (Eisenkot, Huldai, etc). But none of them willing to join autocratic system
-So Shelach demanding things be opened up. He's the canary in the coal mine