Netanyahu on equality of burden: "One mustn't tear the nation"

Binyamin Netanyahu in the Knesset. Photo: Moshe Azaria

This evening, during the inaugural ceremony of Knesset members, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised memories from the past.

"I want to firstly congratulate the elected Members of Knesset, and of course the new MKs. Just like you, Ruby, I remember the excitement, as described by Fouad as well, of the first day as a young member of the Knesset. For me it was 25 years ago, I entered this house and I was thrilled by the possibility to influence the path of the state. I wish you, new Members of the Knesset, that you should maintain this excitement and enthusiasm each day you serve in the Israeli Knesset. Maintain the excitement and the sense of responsibility as well, since we have a great responsibility. "

• The 19th Knesset is underway • 48 new MKs • video gallery

From then on he went on to a clear message of unity: "We represent all sectors of the public and the people. Women and men, Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, old and new immigrants from all communities, followers of all religions. But in the long run, we represent the general public and the entire state. We represent the state and we are serving the state. We are public servants - and not vice versa.

"We have achievements, but also a big task. We must increase the equality burden in a way that will tear the nation, I believe it is possible and I know it should be.

"We will have to reduce the cost of living, primarily the housing costs. We will have to change important elements in the system of government, this is indeed the 19th Knesset, but we will soon form the government number 33. 33 governments in 65 years, it's just unbelievable, it's less than two years per government. Though the outgoing Knesset and the outgoing government were exceptional for the better, we increased the average a little, and we saw what happens when a minister can serve for four years running, when chairmen of committees of the Knesset can serve for four years. When parliamentarians and legislators can devote four consecutive years to studying the subject and operate in it. We have seen that we can achieve important and big things for the State of Israel, and therefore this issue which we've discussed before, I dealt with it in the past too, remained without a positive answer. This problem is still with us and it is impossible that the most challenged state in the world will be with instability and weak governance, even to address the quality of life of the citizens of Israel and also to ensure an even more superior and more important issue."

"Because besides our commitment to improve the quality of life, we must first ensure life itself, to ensure our future and security against new threats that slowly accumulated around us, and in the response to these challenges look and try to achieve a safe, stable and realistic peace with our neighbors, security and peace. For both these goals we must cultivate our inner strength and unity. "

"No one will make peace with a weak and divided Israel. And even if we make another peace treaty with our neighbors we have to be very strong to ensure its existence, to deter its violation, or protect us in the case of its violation. Fuad my friend, we were half a dozen times during the last term, in Egypt. And one day, the regime fell there. Something happened in the Middle East, many things occurred in the Middle East. Only a strong Israel, very strong, can ensure her safety, the safety of its citizens. This is my ultimate responsibility as Prime Minister. It will be the responsibility of the ministers in the Israeli government.

"My friends, Knesset members, this responsibility rests on each and every one of you too. So with your permission, I have two pieces of advice to give you. Firstly, the advice of Hillel the Elder: "Do not do unto your friend what is hateful to you", because we are all human. And we should be respectful to each other. I'll tell you a secret, the discussion in the Knesset is argumentative. Sometimes too controversial. But I know that at the end of the day, the public respects those who respect others. If we respect each other, not without controversy, the public will respect us and we will also honor the Knesset. And the second advice is the great hope, that at test moments we will know to put aside political differences, and we will unite for the common cause upper ensure the security and future of our country, the state of Israel.

"My friends, we are faced with critical moments. Let us hope that we know how to unite towards them. "Hashem will give strength to His people Hashem will bless His people with peace".

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!