Netanyahu Declares "Just the Beginning" as Election Results Roll In
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity party chairman Gadi Eisenkot gave speeches following Israeli election projections. Netanyahu stated the results were "just the prelude" and called for a strong right-wing government, while Eisenkot declared an end to draft evasion and vowed to form a Zionist conscription government. Projections show neither bloc with a clear majority, with Likud as the largest party.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated election results were "just the prelude" and called for a strong right-wing government.
- Gadi Eisenkot vowed to establish a "Zionist conscription government" and end draft evasion.
- Initial projections show neither bloc securing a clear majority in the Israeli elections.
- The Likud party is projected to be the largest with 27 seats, followed by National Unity with 21.
- Arab parties are expected to win 18 seats, including 7 for Ra'am.
- Gadi Eisenkot warned Netanyahu against using Israel's security for political needs.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed supporters at the Likud headquarters late Tuesday night, stating, "This is just the prelude, we will wait for the real results." He emphasized the need to form a "strong, national, right-wing government" and warned against a "change bloc" government that would rely on "anti-Zionist Arab parties that advocate for the destruction of the state." Initial projections from Kan News indicate the Likud will be the largest party with 27 seats, but neither bloc has a clear majority, with both tied at 51 seats. The National Unity party is projected to be the second-largest with 21 seats, while Arab parties are expected to garner 18 seats, including 7 for Ra'am.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, declared in his speech that calling for new elections would be a "mistake." He asserted that "millions of Israelis are fed up with the culture of lies" and voted for universal conscription, vowing to establish a "Zionist conscription government" and end the era of draft evasion. Eisenkot pledged to represent all Israelis, framing the election as a victory for the entire nation, not one side over another. He stated his government would be committed to recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the Declaration of Independence, passing a universal service law, and dismantling Hamas.
Eisenkot also called for an end to division and strife, envisioning a new era of hope, mutual responsibility, and camaraderie. The former IDF Chief of Staff appealed to security officials, calling Netanyahu a "transitional prime minister without a mandate or trust," and urged them to remember they serve the state, promising his full backing against any challenges. He warned Netanyahu not to "dare use Israel's security for your political needs."
During his speech, Eisenkot thanked his family and his son Gal, who fell in battle in northern Gaza in December 2023.
