In light of the war in the south, the leader of the opposition called on the Prime Minister this evening (Saturday) to form a unity government.
"Firstly, I want to convey my condolences to the families of the deceased, wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, and strength to the security forces currently battling the enemies of the State of Israel. I send great support to the residents of the south and to the IDF soldiers in all sectors," said Lapid and added, "We are still in an unfolding combat event, I call on everyone to obey the instructions of the security establishment."
Put aside all disputes and establish an emergency government
According to his words: "I will not now engage in the question of who is to blame or why we were surprised. This is not the time, this is not the place; we will stand united against our enemies. The State of Israel is at war. It will not be an easy war, and it will not be a short war. It has strategic implications that we haven't seen in many years. There is a significant risk that it will turn into a multi-front war. I have just met with Prime Minister Netanyahu."
"I informed him that in the current state of emergency, I am ready to set aside all disagreements and together establish a professional, streamlined emergency government to manage the difficult, complex, and protracted situation before us. Netanyahu knows that with the current extreme and dysfunctional composition of the cabinet, it is impossible to conduct a war. The State of Israel needs to be led by a professional, experienced, and responsible government."
Lapid continued: "I have no doubt that even the former Defense Minister Benny Gantz will join such a government. The establishment of a professional emergency government will make it clear to our enemies that the vast majority of Israeli citizens stand behind the IDF and the security establishment. It will also signal to the world, in the international arena, that Israel is uniting and standing together against the threat. Today, the State of Israel experienced a severe shock. We are all in pain, we are all angry. However, countries and wars are not managed with pain and anger but with a cool head and strategic understanding. We need to set politics aside now, for the sake of an emergency government that will handle this situation resolutely and will not engage in anything else until we achieve complete victory over our enemies."