The swearing in of Israel's 33rd government took place this afternoon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the ceremony and outlined its guidelines, saying at the Knesset dais, "The new government's first priority is to defend the security of the country and its citizens." The reference was to Iran.
Netanyahu talked about the former government's successes, which he attributed to the collaboration between ministers and MKs, and expressed the hope that the new government would show the same partnership and cooperation. "I believe, hope, and expect this. I promise that our government will world for all of Israel's citizens," he said.
Commenting on US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel this week, Netanyahu said, "This will be an opportunity to thank President Obama for the partnership between Israel and the US, for the continuation of US aid, and the handling of Israel's immense security needs, even as the US faces economic difficulties. Above all, this visit will give Israel the opportunity to express its deep thanks to the American people whose support for Israel is at an all-time high. There is no Israeli who does not offer affection and support to the American people. I expect to discuss with Obama the challenges facing our two countries and to work together to promote peace in the Middle East."
Yachimovich: Netanyahu, Lapid, Bennett are sworn capitalists
In response to Netanyahu's speech, Labor Party chairwoman MK Shelly Yachimovich said, "There is always a celebratory mood on the day when a democratically elected government is sworn in. Celebration, yes, especially for the excited families, but this is not a state ceremony, but a very political event. The coalition negotiations and give and take, could be called anything but new politics. The same power plays, the same alliances of convenience - Bennett-Lapid, Netanyahu-Liberman, new-old, not sympathetic, but definitely legitimate. Because this is such a political day, let us say here and now and always - we are your opposition.
"We are today opening a national debate about why we are here and what is the Zionist vision. We are opening with you today the bitter ideological disputes, which were dissolved in the coalition negotiations and wrapped in clichés and cellophane. The composition of this government hones the two states as sharply and coldly as possible. You are a sated and rich leadership, which may be physically within the nation, but struggles to understand what that nation is. You, Livni, Lapid, Bennett, Netanyahu are all wealthy. You have families. Without exception, you four have a right-wing economic view which is devoted to the current system."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 18, 2013
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