Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived on Saturday night at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, to officially inform President Shimon Peres and acting Knesset Speaker Benjamin Ben-Eliezer that he had succeeded in forming a government.
“As you know I was able to form a government,” Netanyahu to Peres at the beginning of their meeting. “You handed me this assignment and I carried it out.”
Netanyahu added: “We are facing a critical year in defense, economics and the peace efforts, and in the desire of the citizens of Israel to bring about change. There’s cooperation in this Government, and I believe that we can bring a new message in all the areas for all the citizens of Israel, this is my assignment and I know that this is your prayer as well.”
The president thanked the prime minister for his statement and said: “I witnessed the labor pains in the process of forming this government on time, and I congratulate you for succeeding to form the government in a timely fashion. The task of forming a government is complex and it required tremendous efforts and resourcefulness. I congratulate you and the new government and hope that you will get on your way.”
The president also noted: “As you mentioned, there are outstanding issues, but those are full of opportunities in the areas of defense, the social welfare and peace making – advancing the peace process. The country needs it and the people need it, the time has come.
“I give you my blessing, and we will gladly follow, after the establishment of the government, the issues you’ve mentioned. Yishar ko’ach, and my blessings are with you and the new government.”
The prime minister replied: “I thank you, and we would like to use your experience and your intelligence.”