Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist party Yesh Atid — which, polls suggest, could equal Likud as the largest party in the next Knesset — has moved sharply to the right in his Israeli appearances.

Mr Lapid used to support the establishment of a Palestinian state, but has now jettisoned all mentions of a two-state solution.

As recently as six months ago, Mr Lapid was still advocating for a “demilitarised Palestinian state whose capital is Ramallah” in speeches and interviews. No Longer. Two weeks ago, at a Yesh Atid event in Netanya, he said Israel would need a “15 to 20-year period” of gradual separation with the Palestinians before security considerations could allow further change. He also said: “I don’t believe the Palestinians. Our children will be the ones to take confidence-building steps.”

He has stopped using the term “Palestinian state” and, when asked about the issue in interviews, says Israel needs to separate itself from the Palestinians but only consider allowing them a state in at least 15 years.

Mr Lapid’s tactics seem to be working, at least for now. Over the last few months he has been trending steadily upwards in the polls, threatening Likud’s current top spot with between 24 and 26 MKs.