Statement on Suspected Foreign Election Interference and Netanyahu

Citizens of Israel. Earlier, I met with the head of the Shin Bet and the chair

of the Central Elections Committee. They updated me on the overall

situation. It is too early to understand what happened and whether

anything happened at all.

Professional authorities must be allowed to complete the investigation without political

involvement. Foreign interference in the State of Israel is unacceptable

and serious, all the more so when it involves a country

that funds terror and supports the Hamas terrorist organization,

which in recent years succeeded in infiltrating the Prime

Minister's Office.

It is important to investigate whether they tried to influence things and through whom they

tried to exert influence. What is already clear is that Likud and Netanyahu

embarked on a coordinated, organized campaign to delegitimize

the election results. Their statements and briefings were

ready. They are doing this because they lost. They do not have a majority.

The State of Israel has the rule of law. I will not allow even a centimeter's deviation

from the Knesset's swearing-in as planned.

From here, I want to address the public who serve and work,

those determined to live in the State of Israel as a Jewish

and democratic, liberal, strong, equal state

I'm confident. Work teams are already working

to complete preparations for introducing a conscription

and service law for all Israeli citizens, to establish a state commission

of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, a law to change

the budget mechanism and prioritize those who serve, and more.

The plans are ready, and in coordination with my partners, we will act to put

them to a vote when the Knesset session opens. I intend

to act to fortify and protect the interests of those

who work, those who enlist, and those committed

to the values of the Declaration of Independence. I am here to fight

for you, and I am determined to fight for your

interests.

Citizens of Israel, one thing is certain:

The days when Netanyahu used the institutions of government against

Israel's interests and for his personal needs are over.

No spin or propaganda campaign will obscure the following

fact: The majority of the Israeli public voted against the

October 7 government and against draft dodging. Israel is in

a complex political situation. I intend to act as I

always have, calmly and resolutely. I

call on everyone to remain calm as well.

And restraint. Hold on patiently. There is hope.

We'll bring her. I promise.