Netanyahu Outlines Principles for Broad National Government After Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his vision for forming a broad national government following the upcoming elections, emphasizing unity and shared foundational principles. He invited any political faction that accepts these core principles to join the government, aiming to unite the majority of the public around a common national path. Netanyahu framed the choice for voters as between his broad national government or a left-wing government reliant on Arab parties.

In a detailed political statement on Sunday evening, Netanyahu stressed that Israel faces significant security, political, and internal challenges requiring a government based on the widest possible consensus on key issues shaping the country's future. He declared, "Israel needs a broad national government, and that is the government I will form." He highlighted the need for unity after years of external threats and internal trials.

Netanyahu outlined the fundamental principles for the government: Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, self-defense capabilities, economic, energy, and military independence, and opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. He invited anyone who accepts these principles to join the coalition.

He emphasized that his goal is not to deepen political divisions but to heal and unite the nation through responsible leadership and deep love for the people and the state. Netanyahu also addressed ongoing security threats, including remnants of the Iranian axis and other challenges, alongside historic opportunities for peace in Lebanon and elsewhere in the region. He concluded by framing the election as a choice between his broad national government or a narrow left-wing government dependent on Arab parties, asserting that Israel needs a broad national government and pledging to form one if elected.