At the opening of the Knesset session which will ratify the new government, Binyamin Netanyahu said that his objective as Prime Minister is to “ensure the future of the Jewish people” by ensuring the future of the State of Israel. “There is no Jewish future without an Israel,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu, who is forming his third government, said he was aware of the responsibility on his shoulders. “We have been given a valuable deposit, that of the state of Israel, and the country’s citizens expect us to pass it on in good condition to the government that comes after us,” he said.
Netanyahu hinted at his regret at being unable to include hareidi parties in the government. “We are here to serve the entire Israeli public, including those who are represented in the government and those who represent the opposition,” the Prime Minister said. “Establishing the government was like solving a Rubik’s Cube. You need a lot of patience to get all the pieces right. We have an experienced staff working together with a young and eager group that can make the changes the nation is expecting, especially ensuring that the burden of military service is more equitably distributed, and a sharp reduction in the cost of living. We are especially hoping to reduce the cost of homes and increase the supply,” Netanyahu said.
“The new government extends its hand in peace to the Palestinians,” Netanyahu added. “Israel has proved time after time that it is ready for compromises in return for a true peace, and that has not changed. But the demands must be mutual.”
In an act of protest, MKs of Shas and UTJ left the plenum as Netanyahu read off the names of government ministers, with several of them calling out “Jews do not boycott other Jews,” referring to demands by Yesh Atid that Netanyahu exclude hareidi parties as their price for joining the coalition.