Netanyahu Speaks as New Knesset Sworn In Amid Calls for Unity

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his first public address since the election night on Tuesday, speaking at the Knesset's Chagall Hall following the swearing-in ceremony of the 26th Knesset. The ceremony saw 46 new members sworn in, including 33 women. Yonatan Shilo, 24, from the "Achva" party, became the youngest Knesset member in Israel's history, surpassing the previous record held by former minister Moshe Nissim.

President Isaac Herzog addressed the new Knesset members, urging them to remember their mission, especially when cameras are off, and to make decisions that make citizens feel seen. He acknowledged the heavy price paid by Israeli society since the October 7th massacre, noting the sacrifices of those who experienced loss and injury. "Now it is up to you to ask what you can and must do for them," Herzog stated, emphasizing that a nation's greatness is measured not only in valor but also in its ability to build a stable, functioning routine. He highlighted the importance of political stability, noting that nearly 80% of the public elected them, and urged the Knesset to fulfill its term and avoid repeat elections.

Herzog called for compromise and moderation, stating the public desires routine, security, and peace, and wishes to see their spirit of sacrifice translated into cooperation and unifying dialogue. He also addressed the sensitive issue of military conscription, urging the Knesset to seriously consider the challenge of serving soldiers in regular and reserve duty, and to find a suitable solution that balances pride in Torah study with the shared duty of service. The President also stressed the need to build a stable political horizon in the region, strengthen peace agreements with several Arab nations, and bolster the strategic alliance with the United States while combating political sanctions against Israel.

Concluding his remarks, Herzog warned against internal violence and polarization, calling them "moral stains that wound the beautiful face of Israeli society." He condemned brutality and racism, stating there is no place for violence in any sector of Israeli society or in any location, and that it must be eradicated forcefully. He added that Israel cannot heal its many wounds while one person's pain serves as another's objective.

Outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana described the 25th Knesset as the most difficult and tense in the nation's history but noted it was the first to complete its term since the 1980s, passing significant legislation almost unanimously. He welcomed the new members, many of whom bear the personal cost of the war, mentioning Tali Guili, mother of a kidnapped policeman, and Shira Shapira, mother of a fallen soldier whose great-grandfather was injured in the Knesset decades ago. Ohana also highlighted Elisha Medan, who lost his legs in Gaza three years prior to his swearing-in. "If the image of the bereaved mother Shira standing next to the hero of Israel Elisha moved many homes in Israel, we can learn from this that the 26th Knesset holds a great opportunity to change the course of Israeli society, an opportunity for unity," Ohana said, suggesting that the personal sacrifices of the members would guide their public service.

Ohana also addressed ongoing threats, stating that Iran still plots to acquire nuclear weapons and that Hamas, though severely hit, still exists. He called for national leadership cooperation, similar to the brotherhood on the battlefield, to destroy terror organizations, asserting that Hamas is a terror group regardless of political negotiations. He concluded by urging the Knesset to fulfill the promise of "Never Again" through concrete action and reminded members that the people are sovereign, with the Knesset members serving them.