Israeli President Reuven Rivlin formally designated incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ‘try to form Jerusalem’s next government coalition,’ following the April 9th elections.
During a special nomination ceremony, the top Israeli statesman signed the legal document that officially grants the Prime Minister’ designate with the desired task. Following the signing ceremony, Rivlin informed Netanyahu that 65 out of the 120 Members of Knesset recommended him for the role, in keeping with the desire of the majority of Israelis who voted in support of Netanyahu’s Likud party and its natural partners from the right-wing and religious bloc. The President the heavy responsibilities that are once again placed on his shoulders – for the fifth time. According to the Israeli President: “After speaking with representatives of all the parties elected to the Knesset, which were for the first time open and transparent to the public, I hereby declare that 65 members of Knesset recommended that Prime Minister and Member of the Knesset Benjamin Netanyahu be the person entrusted with forming the government.”/ “For the fifth time, you have secured the support of this dear people who live on this land. You have the responsibility to form a government at a time when it and the incoming Knesset face weighty responsibilities, coalition and opposition together. Strengthening and developing Israel’s security and diplomatic standing in the face of challenges on different fronts, every challenge is an opportunity, so also in light of the opportunities we may face.”
The President also took the opportunity to urge the leaders of the different political parties to mend their differences and prioritize domestic unity – following what Rivlin termed as: “a divisive election period.’ In his words: “This was a tough election campaign. Things were said that should not have been said, from all sides. Not in a Jewish State and not in a democratic state. The iron wall should be between us and our enemies, not inside our own home, not between us. ‘Us and them’ is over. From now on, it’s just ‘us’.”
Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Reuven Rivlin for the fifth time in which he is selected to form Israel’s government-coalition. Netanyahu underlined his excitement and sense of responsibility and vowed to act as the leader of all the people of Israel, regardless of political or religious affiliation. He said: “This is the fifth time I have taken upon myself the obligation of convening the Israeli Government- there is no greater right in democratic life. I am as excited as I was the first time [I assembled a coalition], In a certain sense even more [excited] than the first time, and I will do everything to justify the trust that the citizens of Israel have in me.”/ “I am well aware of the magnitude of the responsibility that is placed on my shoulders, and I will act as the messenger of the people – all of the people- those who elected me and those who did not elect me. Our core strength is ability to work together, shoulder to shoulder in mutual accountability- against the main challenges facing us.”
Netanyahu also took the opportunity to speak about the upcoming Biblical high-holiday of Passover, that will be celebrated by Jewish people around the world, tomorrow evening. He pointed to the fact that the State of Israel has realized the aspirations and prayers of generations of Jews, whom consistently voiced their hope and desire to celebrate “next year in Jerusalem,” as is written in the traditional Passover-text called “Hagaddah,” which chronicles the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Biblical book of Exodus. “Generation after generation we read the [Passover] Haggada [which states] “next year in Jerusalem,” and here we are, in the built and ever-growing Jerusalem – our eternal capital, from which a great light emanates. We are strong in our spirits, adhering to our heritage. And as Prime Minister elect of Israel, I shall continue to serve our people and our country so that together we can, with God’s help, ensure the eternity of Israel,” Netanyahu said.