“We will topple dangerous government”, says Netanyahu

It was a national embarrassment. The religious-Zionist parties in the opposition staged a walkout, and Likud MKs refused to let Bennett speak. He went out of his way, as he should have, to thank outgoing prime minister for his ceaseless efforts and years of service to the country. 

Instead of a gracious reception and an orderly transfer of power, Bennett was met with a malicious, pre-planned verbal attack of chaos and venom directed at him and the new coalition.

Netanyahu’s speech was far more antagonistic and aggressive than Bennett’s. There was no sign of goodwill, no acknowledgment of stepping down, and no indication that he’s going to sit quietly in the opposition.

Netanyahu said he will not be leaving politics despite leaving the Prime Minister’s Office. He told his supporters he intends to remain opposition leader, head of the Likud and the party’s candidate for prime minister in the next election.

Netanyahu told his supporters they should keep their heads held high despite losing power. “We will continue to work together,” he said. “I will lead you in a daily struggle against this dangerous left wing government to topple it, and with God’s help, it will happen much faster than you think.”

In contrast with the constant heckling during the speech of incoming Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, MKs in the coalition being formed was completely silent when Netanyahu spoke, making a point of showing him respect.

Mocking Bennett, Netanyahu said after hearing him talk tough about Iran, he was even more worried since “Bennett always does the opposite of what he says.” The new government is unfit to lead the country for even a single day, he said.

“An Israeli Prime Minister needs to know how to say no to the president of the United States,” Netanyahu said, praising his own speech to Congress against the Iran deal and lamenting that there will be no one left who could stand up for Israel that way.

Had Bennett told Israelis he would form a government with Lapid, he would not have gotten elected at all, Netanyahu said, calling him “Fake Right.”

He listed his successes as prime minister, including the transfer of the US Embassy to Jerusalem, the construction of new roads and railways and the improvement to quality of life in the country.

“All of this didn’t happen by chance,” Netanyahu said. “It happened because we ran a smart and focused security policy that made our enemies pay a price.”

The government oversaw “courageous” operations behind enemy lines to keep Israel safe, he said.

The accomplishments turned Israel from a “marginal state” into a leading country, Netanyahu said.