On the Eve of Tisha B’Av, Netanyahu Calls for Unity: "Baseless Hatred Destroyed Us, Love of the Jewish People Lifted Us Up"

(Photo: Itai Beit Leon, Government Press Office)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement this evening (Wednesday), addressing the citizens of Israel ahead of the start of the *Tisha B’Av* fast.

At the start of his remarks, the prime minister said: "My brothers and sisters, dear citizens of Israel. On the eve of *Tisha B’Av*, we remember the destruction of the Temple. We remember the terrible price of the hatred and ostracism within us. Over the past three years, through joint efforts, we prevented the destruction of the Third Temple. Instead of a civil war, we became brothers fighting shoulder to shoulder to push back those seeking our lives. We joined forces, fought like lions, and together saved the State of Israel. We showed the world that the people of Israel are a brave people, with a brave army, a generation of heroes. We pushed back the terror of destruction and achieved tremendous accomplishments."

Netanyahu addressed the security and political reality and made clear that "although the work is not yet finished, although many challenges still lie ahead of us, I am certain with every fiber of my being that we can overcome them. As prime minister of Israel, I intend to deepen the unity among us. Therefore, I will act to establish a broad national government, a stable government that will safeguard our security and our future."

In addition, Netanyahu referred to reports about the tense atmosphere during the election period: "I know that during an election season there will be arguments that make it harder for us to see this, but I also know that we are far more united than it may seem. How do I know? Because I saw you in your moment of trial. Because I meet our heroic fighters. Because I saw the people of Israel, in all its parts, in all its glory, a people reaching out, one person to another."

He concluded his remarks with a call for unity. "The great lesson: through baseless hatred we were destroyed; through love of the Jewish people we rose up. Together, with Hashem’s help, we will ensure the eternity of Israel."