Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Wed, 14 Jul 2021 07:52:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Iran is racing toward a nuclear bomb and the Lapid-Bennett government is silent https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/07/14/iran-is-racing-toward-a-bomb-and-the-lapid-bennett-govt-is-bowed-and-voiceless/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/07/14/iran-is-racing-toward-a-bomb-and-the-lapid-bennett-govt-is-bowed-and-voiceless/#respond Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:29:50 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=656559   At the recent commemoration of the anniversary of Ze'ev Jabotinsky's death, representatives of the current government claimed they were following in his footsteps. There is no greater absurdity. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter Jabotinsky's diplomatic doctrine focused on two points: The "iron wall" and the "doctrine of pressure." The governments under my […]

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At the recent commemoration of the anniversary of Ze'ev Jabotinsky's death, representatives of the current government claimed they were following in his footsteps. There is no greater absurdity.

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Jabotinsky's diplomatic doctrine focused on two points: The "iron wall" and the "doctrine of pressure." The governments under my leadership adhered to these two principles for years, while the current government has already abandoned them in just four weeks.

First – the "iron wall." Jabotinsky believed that aggressive and independent projection of Hebrew strength was the only way to stunt our enemies' desire to destroy us until they would one day come to terms with our existence.

There's no need to detail everything that the Likud governments have done to build Israel as a military, intelligence and cyber power. There's also not enough space here to detail the vast scope of actions we took against the Iranian nuclear program, designed to annihilate us.

Sometimes the US knew about these actions and other times we carried them out without its knowledge and approval. Different American administrations, including the Biden administration most recently, repeatedly asked me "not to surprise them" with actions against Iran. I always refused to make this promise. I always maintained our freedom of action.

I also publicly stated that we would continue doing anything necessary to ensure Israel's security – with or without a nuclear deal between the US and Iran.

Yet, within a week of this government's formation, prime minister in actuality Yair Lapid discarded this policy wholesale. He dealt a mortal blow to Israel's freedom of action when he stunningly promised the Americans "no surprises."

I ask: What will happen if and when the US returns to the nuclear deal – does anyone think the US will agree to Israeli military actions that could endanger this deal?

And when Lapid and Bennett inform the US in advance of a planned military operation and Washington objects, does anyone really believe that Lapid, Bennett, or their friends will greenlight such an operation regardless?

Thus, on one of the more fateful matters of our existence, Bennett and Lapid turned Israel's iron wall into drywall full of holes.

In terms of the "doctrine of pressure," meanwhile, Jabotinsky espoused a determined and consistent effort across the globe to influence public opinion about Israel, as a means of pressuring Western leaders to support Zionism.

In accordance with this principle, we endeavored for years to sway American public opinion and persuade important leaders in the US to oppose the Iranian nuclear program and to impose paralyzing sanctions on Iran.

We did this through countless American media interviews, speeches at the UN and of course, the US Congress.

Our efforts played a role in the previous American administration's withdrawal from the dangerous nuclear deal with Iran and the even harsher sanctions it imposed.

In recent days, my friends in the US have asked me: Why aren't we hearing the voice of the Israeli government, here in the US, against the race back to the nuclear deal with Iran?

The answer is simple. The government of concession says it plainly: "We will resolve the problems with the US behind closed doors."

Instead of speaking out publicly and clearly to sway American public opinion in Israel's favor and against returning to the nuclear deal, the current government is doing nothing.

Does the government really think it will be able to convince anyone behind closed doors or with an occasional tweet? From 40 years of experience, I can testify that such things are completely ineffective if unaccompanied by a public, aggressive and prolonged campaign targeting American public opinion.

Only by speaking powerfully publicly, will they listen to you seriously privately.

This is what we did when private meetings with world leaders didn't suffice; we supplemented them with global media campaigns and exhausting every important international stage.

Across the world – in Washington, Moscow, Beijing, New Delhi and Tokyo, along with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi – Jerusalem's position was heard loud and clear.

And yes, it was heard in Iran as well. Particularly in Iran.

This is the core of Jabotinsky's doctrine of pressure, and it's only taken this government a few days to throw this in the garbage, too. It stems from a lack of understanding or a lack of ability or a lethal combination of the two. No one can hear this government's voice. It has nothing to say, and no one is listening anyway. Like a tree falling in the forest that no one sees, or hears, or cares about.

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A victory for political Zionism https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/05/16/a-victory-for-political-zionism/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/05/16/a-victory-for-political-zionism/#respond Sun, 16 May 2021 11:15:07 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=628497   In the history of Zionism, the small Italian resort town of San Remo holds a place of honor. It was there, 101 years ago, that the Jewish people's right to self-determination in their ancestral Land of Israel was officially recognized. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter Twenty-three years before the San Remo Conference, which was convened […]

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In the history of Zionism, the small Italian resort town of San Remo holds a place of honor. It was there, 101 years ago, that the Jewish people's right to self-determination in their ancestral Land of Israel was officially recognized.

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Twenty-three years before the San Remo Conference, which was convened by the nations that won World War I, the flame of Zionism that Benjamin Zeev Herzl lit began to burn. After the First Zionist Congress, Herzl wrote, prophetically, that "In Basel, I founded the Jewish state." At that time, 1897, he knew that such a statement would cause laughter. But Herzl added that in another five years, or 50 at the most, everyone would recognize the state. And it indeed happened.

Two decades after the World Zionist Congress was founded, the British government published the Balfour Declaration in November 1927, as our people were exerting themselves to help the British army win the Great War. When then-Foreign Secretary of Britain Arthur James Balfour signed the declaration stating that Britain would support the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel, Zionism secured public international support from a leading world power.

Jews throughout the Diaspora were excited. Zionism had paved the way to the family of nations. Our ancient, daily connection to our land, which cannot be detached from the Bible, received a new life. My grandfather, Rabbi Nathan Milikovsky-Netanyahu, wrote movingly about the Balfour Declaration: "Suddenly, there was a flash of light that tore apart the dark sky of the Jewish people, lifted our spirits, strengthened us, and gave us new life. This is our 'Magna Carta,' this is the same call as was heard in the time of King Koresh."

Our fate is once again in our hands

Three more years went by, and in 1920, we reached the final stop on the route to the success of political Zionism. At San Remo, the world powers legally adopted the Balfour Declaration. They gave Britain the Mandate over the Land of Israel so it could implement the decision to found our national home. It was no longer merely a "declaration," it had become a tangible step to implement our national aspirations in the land of our forefathers.

Given the unusual diplomatic success, the Jewish Yishuv felt uplifted. A few weeks after Yosef Trumpeldor and his comrades fell defending Tel Hai and the rioting by Arab hordes in and around Jerusalem, the gloom was replaced by great joy. When the news of San Remo reached the Jerusalem synagogue where Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Kook prayed in Jerusalem, those present recited the "Sheyechyahnu" blessing, with tears of joy in the eyes, and sang Psalm verses. Shofars were blown.

The historian and literary researcher Professor Yosef Klausner, who was my father's great teacher, listed three standout achievements of the "San Remo event": First, that Zionism was continuing to make its way out of the fringes of the international arena. The Zionist idea had stopped being a matter for the Jewish people only and was being discussed in every country. Second, it was a signed commitment from one of the leading world powers to bring the Jews out of exile into an era of redemption. Third, it returned to us control over our own fate. The decisions at the San Remo Conference recreated the Jews' sense of ownership, in the positive sense of the world. A right greater than any other allowed us to plant roots in the Land of Israel and lead a fitting life there.

Of course, we needed to take a serious approach even in the moments of joy over the decisions by the San Remo Conference, which were approved by representatives of the League of Nations. We knew that we must not sit idly by. The opposite: that we had to develop the land quickly, make the desert bloom, bring masses of new immigrants, establish a defense force, build and create – both physically and spiritually.

Thanks to the efforts of generations, we were able to renew the independence of the nation of Israel 28 years after the San Remo Conference. Since then, we have marched forward, secure in the strength of our state, turning it into a world-class success story in many fields. The San Remo decisions concluded with the assumption that the Jews would be able to meet the challenge of returning to their land. We are fulfilling those expectations far beyond anything that could have been imagined.

We are not foreigners in our land

Sad to say, there are some who even today deny the historical truth declared in the Balfour Declaration and the San Remo Resolutions. The root of the conflict with the Palestinians lies in their consistent refusal to recognize Zionism, the legitimacy of the Jewish people's national home and the state of Israel along any borders. Palestinian spokespeople call the memos published 100 years ago a "crime" and a "tragedy," while exempting themselves from any accountability for their calls to destroy Israel.

The intention of the International Criminal Court in The Hague to investigate Israel for actions our soldiers and officers carried out to protect Jewish communities from attacks by terrorist organizations is a complete perversion of justice. We are here by right, not as foreigners in our own land. We will fight our enemies with determination, as well as any attempt to slash the thousands of years-long thread that ties us to the homeland.

On the other hand, the positive developments in our region give a great deal of hope for the future of the Middle East. The peace and normalization agreements we reached last year with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco represent a major change in the Arab world's attitude toward Israel. These countries and others see Israel as a strong ally in the fight against radical Islam. A hundred years ago, the Emir Faisal, one of the most prominent Arab leaders of the time, took a moderate line when he backed cooperation between Arabs and Jews. We are continuing this movement by promoting security and peace, progress and prosperity, for our peoples and our nations.

We will etch the San Remo resolutions into the nation's consciousness as a major milestone on the way to fulfilling the vision of Israel's establishment.

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Together we will propel the economy forward https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/03/21/together-we-will-propel-the-economy-forward/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/03/21/together-we-will-propel-the-economy-forward/#respond Sun, 21 Mar 2021 10:08:45 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=601819   My fellow Israelis, I ask you to vote for the Likud under my leadership so that we can propel the Israeli economy forward at this critical time, as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter  We have a historic opportunity to form a strong and stable right-wing government […]

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My fellow Israelis, I ask you to vote for the Likud under my leadership so that we can propel the Israeli economy forward at this critical time, as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis.

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We have a historic opportunity to form a strong and stable right-wing government that will serve all Israelis and lead Israel into an economic leap in the aftermath of the pandemic. This is a choice between a stable right-wing government or a dysfunctional rotation government under Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid who will only take Israel back.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said I was able to turn Israel into the world champion in vaccines thanks to the fact that I was "obsessed" and called him 30 times, including at 3 a.m. I will be as obsessed with Israel's economic recovery and success as I was with getting the COVID-19 vaccines, and I will turn our economy into the most robust economy in the post-corona world.

I have already seen Israel through two economic crises. I am ready to do it again if you elect me.

I ask you to put your faith in me so that I can complete the great tasks I am working on: boosting the economy, maintaining security, halting Iran once and for all, and bringing in four additional historic peace agreements that will change the future of Israel.

To you, Israelis who have voted for me and those who have not, – religious, secular, and ultra-Orthodox; Muslims and Christians, Arabs and Jews – I would like to thank you for your mobilization during the corona crisis. We were able to weather this difficult time because we acted in unity. Let us preserve this momentum and continue to march together, in unity and partnership, for the sake of our beloved country.

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'Never Again' is more than a slogan https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/never-again-is-more-than-a-slogan/ Wed, 27 Jan 2021 07:17:35 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?post_type=opinions&p=581761   Today, Jan. 27, the world marks the horrific murder of 6 million Jews – men, women, and children – by the Nazis and their helpers in the Holocaust. We remember the darkest chapter of human history, when a European country decided to adopt a systematic plan to exterminate every last Jews, and bring the […]

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Today, Jan. 27, the world marks the horrific murder of 6 million Jews – men, women, and children – by the Nazis and their helpers in the Holocaust. We remember the darkest chapter of human history, when a European country decided to adopt a systematic plan to exterminate every last Jews, and bring the full power of its advanced industry to bear in executing the terrible crime.

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The mass murder of the Jewish people didn't take place in a vacuum. For hundreds of years, anti-Semitism was rife throughout Europe. When no one challenged it, it grew stronger. Spread, and finally burst out at full strength. Hatred of Jews, which was rooted in ancient times and which left a stain on the Middle Ages, moved into the modern era at full power. Some thought that after the horrors of Auschwitz and Treblinka, humanity would learn its lesson once and for all, throw off anti-Semitism and throw the destructive hatred onto the ash heap of history where it belonged. However, they were sorely mistaken. The gangrene of anti-Semitism continues to spread in the 21st century. We see expressions of it at respected universities in North America, in Islamic madrasas in south Asia, and among the European elite.

Anti-Semitism is present in the developed western world as well as the developing east. It is the official policy of Iran, which day after day declares arrogantly: Our goal is to kill another 6 million Jews and destroy Israel. Indeed, no vaccine has been found for the virus of anti-Semitism. Some would say that it will never go away, because things don't change.

But I can tell you what has changed: we, the Jewish people, have changed. During the Holocaust we had no home, no state, and no salvation, and were forced to beg others to defend us, but that is no longer the case.

Today we are free, established in our homeland and the superior power in our independent country. As prime minister of the proud, strong state of Israel, a state that was reborn after the Holocaust, a state that was built on the ashes of destruction, a state that gave survivors a home, a state in which the Jewish people is living the fulfilment of a dream, I swear that we will never forget the tragic past, and will never again be helpless against those who want to kill us.

"Never again" is not merely a slogan. It is our policy, our mission, and our task. We will execute it, and with God's help ensure that the Jewish people lives forever.

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An enormous patriot, a huge donor, and a man of keen intelligence https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/01/13/an-enormous-patriot-a-huge-donor-and-a-man-of-keen-intelligence/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/01/13/an-enormous-patriot-a-huge-donor-and-a-man-of-keen-intelligence/#respond Wed, 13 Jan 2021 06:41:50 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=577101   I feel deep sorrow at the passing of a wonderful friend, and wonderful person – the late Sheldon Adelson. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter With a broken heart, in the name of my wife, Sara, on my own behalf, and in the name of many people in Israel and the world, we […]

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I feel deep sorrow at the passing of a wonderful friend, and wonderful person – the late Sheldon Adelson.

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With a broken heart, in the name of my wife, Sara, on my own behalf, and in the name of many people in Israel and the world, we send our heartfelt condolences to Miri and the family. Many of the Jewish people, in Israel and the rest of the world, share in the heavy loss.

It is difficult to describe what Sheldon did for the Jewish people and for Israel. Sheldon was one of the biggest donors in the history of the Jewish people. He gave to Zionism, to the settlements, and to the state of Israel. He made enormous financial contributions to many institutions – to medical and scientific research, to higher education, to Ariel University, to Taglit-Birthright, and to his immense projects in every field. With his wife, Miri, he gave generously to many enterprises that save lives and brought Israel renown throughout the world. Sheldon was a huge Jewish patriot. He worked to strengthen Israel, bolster its standing in the United States, and strengthen ties between the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora.

Sheldon grew up poor, in a Boston suburb, and become one of the biggest entrepreneurs and philanthropists in the world. He did so through his keen intelligence, his honest thinking, his powerful personality, and his courage. Sheldon could face down anything and did what he believed. And what he believed in, more than anything else, was the promise of the Jewish people and their state.

Sheldon truly loved America – America, which gave him every opportunity he could dream of. He wanted everyone in the world to have those opportunities and that freedom.

I have to say that I've met many wonderful people in my life. But this giant, a personality like Sheldon, comes along once in a generation. We will forever remember Sheldon and his enormous contribution to the Jewish people and the state of Israel. His influence will remain with us for generations to come.

May his memory be a blessing.

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This year, we commemorate in different ways https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/this-year-we-commemorate-in-different-ways/ Tue, 28 Apr 2020 06:21:53 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?post_type=opinions&p=489143 My brothers and sisters in bereavement, in our 72 years of independence we have known various memorial days. We have marked them in times of wars and battles, in times of military campaigns and raids, in waves of terrorist, and in peaceful times when vigilance was the order of the day – as it always […]

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My brothers and sisters in bereavement, in our 72 years of independence we have known various memorial days. We have marked them in times of wars and battles, in times of military campaigns and raids, in waves of terrorist, and in peaceful times when vigilance was the order of the day – as it always is.

This year we remember the heroic acts of our sons and daughters in the midst of the fight against the coronavirus. This is a new kind of enemy, but God willing, we will defeat it, too. We will do so with determination and national solidarity and cohesion.

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These values are the legacy of the fallen, the legacy of our loved ones. In trying times, they led the charge to defense our shared home and protect the vision of national resurrection. We are forever in their debt.

I also know another thing: They would want us to go on, to live our lives safe and sound. This principle has guided us this year – to preserve life and health and not endanger either needlessly. This is why, this year, we will avoid gatherings in military cemeteries and have military honor guards stationed there.

I know how hard this is. I would like to visit my brother's grave just like you want to visit the graves of your loved ones.

But this year, we will commemorate them in different ways – in stories, movies, and songs; by lighting candles, meeting online, and above all – in our hearts.

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Netanyahu: Let's carry this momentum through https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/03/01/netanyahu-lets-carry-this-momentum-through/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/03/01/netanyahu-lets-carry-this-momentum-through/#respond Sun, 01 Mar 2020 08:30:45 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=472379 My fellow Israelis, we are very close to winning the elections. We need two more mandates to win the election, resolve the political logjam and establish a strong right-wing government. I ask you to go out and vote for the Likud under my leadership, for Israel's sake. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter Casting […]

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My fellow Israelis, we are very close to winning the elections. We need two more mandates to win the election, resolve the political logjam and establish a strong right-wing government.

I ask you to go out and vote for the Likud under my leadership, for Israel's sake.

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Casting a ballot for anyone but Likud means one of two things will happen: We will face either a fourth election or a left-wing government comprising Blue and White, Meretz, and Yisrael Beytenu, and it will be dependent on the Joint Arab List and Ahmad Tibi.

This government will be dangerous for Israel. We must not gamble away Israel's security!

Just this Friday, Labor-Gesher-Meretz leader Amir Peretz confirmed, in his own voice, "I agreed with Gantz on the establishment of a Blue and White-Labor-Gesher-Meretz minority government, with the outside support of Lieberman and the Joint Arab List."

A vote for Gantz or Lieberman is a vote for a government that will endanger Israel's security, because it will depend on Ahmad Tibi and his partners. Only a vote for the Likud under my leadership will prevent a fourth election and stop a dangerous government from being formed.

Over the past three decades, I have led a determined battle, in the face of tremendous pressure, against retreating to the 1967 lines – something that would jeopardize our very existence. I fended off the pressure exerted by the Clinton and Obama administrations, rectified the damage inflicted by the 1993 Oslo Accords, and produced the best decade in the history of the country in terms of security, diplomacy, and the economy.

Our economic growth is at an all-time high, as is the GDP-per capita, tourism, and exports. Unemployment is at an all-time low. We have connected the periphery to central Israel through a network of roads and railways.

Recently, Israel was ranked as one of the 10 strongest countries in the world. Now, I intend to pursue extensive reforms to lower the cost of living and promote massive investments in the healthcare system.

In the three years since US President Trump took office, we have gone from fending off international pressures to the recognition of our rights and cementing our future.

We brought American recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the relocation of the American Embassy to Jerusalem, American recognition in our sovereignty over the Golan Heights and recognition of the legality of the Judea and Samaria settlement enterprise.

Now, after strenuous work with the US government, I plan on introducing a defense pact with the US and apply sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, all Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, and about 30% percent of the area. This historic opportunity cannot be missed.

My fellow Israelis, it is solely up to you. We are only two mandates away from victory. If you vote, we will win. Anyone who wants a right-wing government under my leadership must vote for Likud.

Grant my government and me the power to carry this momentum through and bolster our future.

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Elections will determine whether Israel seizes or squanders a historic opportunity https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/02/14/this-election-will-determine-whether-israel-seizes-or-squanders-a-historic-opportunity/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/02/14/this-election-will-determine-whether-israel-seizes-or-squanders-a-historic-opportunity/#respond Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:19:37 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=467921 The "deal of the century" presented by my friend, US President Donald Trump, offers the State of Israel a historic opportunity that won't return: to protect and defend our country, determine our borders, and ensure our future. We must do all we can to capitalize on this opportunity and not squander it. Ever since the […]

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The "deal of the century" presented by my friend, US President Donald Trump, offers the State of Israel a historic opportunity that won't return: to protect and defend our country, determine our borders, and ensure our future. We must do all we can to capitalize on this opportunity and not squander it.

Ever since the plan was revealed two weeks ago, many things have been said and written in the media to distort it. Here are the facts to counter the false claims:

Claim one: Trump's peace plan won't lead to the application of Israeli law in the Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley.

Fact: It will do just that! For the first time since the establishment of the state, the deal of the century will grant American recognition of our sovereignty over these regions of our homeland. This is the realization of the Zionist vision.

As US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman explained, the application of Israeli law in these territories requires the completion of the mapping process by the joint American-Israeli committee – because we must map out the 800-kilometer (498-mile) line, which will encompass the area where Israeli sovereignty will be applied. We will finish this process as quickly as possible.

I reject the claim that President Trump won't keep his word. He promised to exit the dangerous nuclear deal with Iran – and followed through. He promised to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital – and followed through. He promised to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem – and followed through. He promised to recognize our sovereignty on the Golan Heights – and followed through.

On the matter of sovereignty in our homeland, he will follow through. Together with President Trump, I will apply Israeli law in all our communities in Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, the northern Dead Sea, and additional large swathes.

Claim two: Trump's peace plan creates a Palestinian state that supports terror.

Fact: The plan does the exact opposite. It imposes strict and rigid conditions on the Palestinians in exchange for a future deal. Among other things, the plan requires Palestinian society to fundamentally change and become a democratic entity.

Israel and the US will determine whether the Palestinians are fulfilling these conditions, of which there are many. To enter negotiations the Palestinians must do the following:

  • Immediately cease all "salary" payments to terrorists and their families.
  • Halt all efforts to join international organizations without Israel's approval.
  • Pull their lawsuits against Israel at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

All these are preconditions the Palestinians must meet just to enter diplomatic talks. To conclude such negotiations, they must fulfill each of the following conditions:

  • Recognize the State of Israel as a Jewish state.
  • Recognize a united Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
  • Agree to Israeli security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River – on land, at sea, and in the air.
  • Cease any and all incitement against Israel, including in school textbooks and curricula, and in all Palestinian Authority institutions.
  • Completely demilitarize Gaza and the entire Palestinian population.
  • Completely cede the "right of return."
  • Disarm Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations.
  • Hold free elections, safeguard freedom of the press, protect human rights, protect freedom of religion, and grant equal rights to religious minorities.

And again, Israel and the US will be the ones to determine whether the Palestinians have indeed met these conditions, before finalizing an accord even becomes possible.  Moreover, if after the signing of such an accord the Palestinians fail to meet their security conditions, Israel will be able to reverse the processes outlined by the accord.

Claim three: This peace plan isn't different from past initiatives.

Fact: Not true! This is the friendliest plan toward Israel ever proposed. It is a historic turn of events for the future of our people. For the first time, Trump's plan is doing the exact opposite of previous diplomatic proposals.

Instead of demanding concrete "gestures" from Israel (such as the release of terrorists and construction freezes in our communities) just to begin talks, without demanding anything of the Palestinians – this plan is a complete reversal. Irrespective of Palestinian acceptance or rejection, we are getting American recognition over parts of our homeland, while the Palestinians must make considerable concessions just to enter talks!

Earlier diplomatic plans were predicated on the warped view that Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Jordan Valley are all "occupied" lands that need to be negotiated. For the first time, an American administration is proposing a plan that recognizes the historical bond and our national rights in the Land of Israel, our biblical and ancestral homeland.

The plan even calls for the establishment of an international mechanism to resolve the issue of Jewish refugees who were forced to flee Arab and Muslim countries. It calls on Arab countries to terminate anti-Israel initiatives in the United Nations and other international bodies.

Claim four: The deal of the century won't truly impact Israeli citizens.

Fact: This plan will dramatically affect every single citizen in Israel. The safety of Israelis everywhere – especially in the main cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Petah Tikva, Netanya, Rishon Lezion and others – depends on us maintaining security control in Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley.

The deal of the century ensures this. It will eliminate the prospect of missile attacks on Israeli cities and Ben-Gurion International Airport from the hills of Judea and Samaria. The US plan deals with more than just applying Israeli law in our homeland. It is a historic moment of defining our identities and ensuring the future of our homeland. This is our heritage, the essence of our culture, the deep biblical link between our people and the Land of Israel.

The choice we make in the coming weeks will define our nation forever. After 11 years of working against previous American administrations' policy of withdrawals and uprooting, after three years of working closely with President Trump and his team – we finally have the opportunity to bolster our security, determine our borders and ensure our future.

Claim five: The upcoming elections won't affect the deal of the century.

Fact: These elections will determine whether Israel seizes or squanders a historic opportunity. I will implement the deal of the century. Our political adversaries will implement the "miss of the century." For the sake of realizing the historic opportunity, for the sake of the Land of Israel, we must not miss this moment.

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Netanyahu: There will be no unity government https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/08/07/netanyahu-there-will-be-no-unity-government/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/08/07/netanyahu-there-will-be-no-unity-government/#respond Wed, 07 Aug 2019 05:12:11 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=402145 "My commitment is clear: To establish a strong right-wing government after the election, which will continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented heights and to guarantee the security of Israeli citizens. This is my commitment to Likud voters. There will be no unity government. "The citizens of Israel face a single choice in […]

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"My commitment is clear: To establish a strong right-wing government after the election, which will continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented heights and to guarantee the security of Israeli citizens. This is my commitment to Likud voters. There will be no unity government.

"The citizens of Israel face a single choice in the upcoming election: Who will be the next prime minister of the State of Israel? Will a weak and inexperienced left-wing government led by Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz be established; or rather a strong right-wing government headed by the Likud under my leadership.

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"To form a right-wing government, voters from the nationalist camp must wake up and shed their apathy.

"Avigdor Lieberman declared in an interview to Army Radio on Sunday that he will recommend Benny Gantz as prime minister. This fact alone makes it clear that voting Likud is imperative. The Likud needs to be the largest party so as to ensure we are tasked with forming the government, without giving Lieberman the opportunity to steer us toward a weak left-wing government under Lapid and Gantz.

"We cannot repeat the mistake of the last election when right-wing voters squandered seven mandates on parties that failed to pass the electoral threshold. We must not jeopardize the right-wing government; therefore we must vote Likud.

"Anyone who doesn't vote Likud – is essentially voting for the fall of the right-wing government and rise of a left-wing government headed by Lapid and Gantz.

"Whoever desires a strong right-wing government, and doesn't want a government under Lapid and Gantz, must vote Likud – only Likud.

"Only a large and powerful Likud will establish a right-wing government to safeguard the Land of Israel, strengthen the State of Israel and ensure that we continue transforming Israel into a global power."

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A steadfast alliance, stronger than ever https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/06/27/a-steadfast-alliance-stronger-than-ever/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/06/27/a-steadfast-alliance-stronger-than-ever/#respond Thu, 27 Jun 2019 09:05:04 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=385595 Theodor Herzl, who envisioned and paved the way for the rebirth of Israel as a nation, lent great importance to the forging of alliances and the fostering of friendly relations between the Jewish people and the nations of the world. I am happy and proud that in the fabric of our ties with the nations […]

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Theodor Herzl, who envisioned and paved the way for the rebirth of Israel as a nation, lent great importance to the forging of alliances and the fostering of friendly relations between the Jewish people and the nations of the world. I am happy and proud that in the fabric of our ties with the nations of the world, the alliance between Israel and the United States stands first and prominent. This alliance is steadfast and stronger than ever, and under President Donald Trump it has reached new heights.

We remember very well that it was the United States, led by President Harry Truman, was the first country to recognize Israel 71 years ago. Over time, this friendship has grown deeper, and in the past few years, it has proved itself as a close strategic alliance.

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We have always shared the common democratic values of liberty and justice, as well as mutual interests. But the big change lies in the fact that Israel is becoming a growing global force in the fields of security and technological innovation.

These impressive achievements are the result of the policies promoted by the governments under my leadership, with aim of making Israel's economy free and robust, and to establish our status as a technology and cyber power. At the same time, we are investing considerable resources in securing the superiority of our intelligence apparatus and our military might.

Our growing strength has brought many countries closer, which attests to the deep appreciation they have for Israel's capabilities. Israel's flourishing diplomatic relations with nations across the five continents is the result of our exceptional achievements and a policy of fostering and nurturing the strengths that are our advantages.

Particularly noteworthy is the budding ties – both overt and clandestine – between us and leading countries in the moderate Arab and Muslim world. This is a dramatic change that is based on the recognition that partnership with Israel contributes to the security, stability, and prosperity of the Middle East.

We lend great importance to our diplomatic relations as a whole, and we know that our alliance with the United States is the cornerstone of these ties. Throughout all my years as prime minister, I have endeavored to bolster these ties, even when disagreements arose on issues such as the peace process and the Iranian issue.

I thank Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama for signing the memorandums of understanding that granted Israel generous military aid. Every Israeli citizen is grateful for this vital assistance, which enhances our qualitative advantage over those who seek our demise.

The US itself benefits from this because a strong Israel helps maintain stability and security in our region, which is important to both us and our friend, the United States.

Over the past two and a half years, I have been working with President Trump to achieve another goal – we are expanding our military-intelligence collaboration and cyber capabilities so as to make our countries safer.
In addition, we have marked a series of historical decisions: President Trump, in a courageous decision, recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moved the US Embassy there. He recently made another welcome and strategically important decision for, us when he recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The president has also revolutionized US policy on Iran when he decided to withdraw from the nuclear agreement.

Iran, a rogue state that repeatedly threatens to annihilate Israel and strives to possess nuclear weapons, is currently facing significant American pressure, in the form of restored and exacerbated sanctions on its regime.
For over two decades I have been tirelessly warning about Iran's nuclear aspirations. I remained steadfast in that even when it meant taking on the world. When I address the US Congress in March 2015 and explained at length why the nuclear deal was dangerous to Israel, to the Middle East and to humanity as a whole.

The United States, under President Trump, offers us its unequivocal backing in our efforts to protect ourselves against Iran and our other enemies. The US administration stands as one with Israel vis-à-vis the attempts made by the International Criminal Court to undermine our right of self-defense and lends us its unwavering support in the United Nations, as well.

The team the administration has assigned to the peace deal, headed by senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, special envoy Jason Greenblatt and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, has demonstrated an unfaltering commitment to Israel's vital interests and security needs. I look forward to continuing working with the president to promote security, prosperity, and peace for both our countries.

The alliance between the United States and Israel is stronger than ever. To preserve and even bolster it, we need to continue to nurture American public opinion, for all its parts, to fight hostility toward Zionism and the new wave of anti-Semitism that is rearing its head in the US, as in Europe, and to continue to enhance our economic and military power and diplomatic standing.

Today it is clearer than ever: The US has no more loyal ally than Israel, and Israel has no more important and loyal ally than the United States.

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