Following his Likud party's resounding victory in Tuesday's Knesset election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, accompanied by his family. "I am moved by the weight of responsibility that the people of Israel have placed on my shoulders and appreciate the decision of the citizens of Israel to chose me and my [Likud] colleagues against all odds and against large forces," said Netanyahu, who will be forming his fourth government. "I will do everything in my power to ensure the welfare and security of all the citizens of Israel." In his victory speech to a crowd of supporters on Tuesday night, Netanyahu said, "Against all odds, we have achieved a great victory for Likud, the Likud-led nationalist camp and the people of Israel. I am proud of the people of Israel, who at the moment of truth knew how to distinguish between what is important and what is peripheral, and to insist on what is important -- true security, responsible economics and social welfare, to which we are committed. All of these things are important to the citizens of Israel, Jews and non-Jews alike. You are all important. You are all important to me. "Now we must establish a strong and stable government that will ensure the security and welfare of all Israeli citizens. I can tell you surely that we face diplomatic and security challenges. We pledged to deal with housing prices and lower the cost of living, and we will do this." Netanyahu said he had spoken with the heads of the parties in the nationalist camp and he called on them to "join me and set up a government without delay." "Reality does not give us a time-out," the prime minister said. With his wife, Sara, standing by his side, Netanyahu thanked his family for their support during the election campaign. "I want to thank my wonderful sons, Yair and Avner, who helped with their kind hearts and sharp minds and connected me with the young generation in our country. And I want to thank my dear wife, Sara, who, to quote [Ze'ev] Jabotinsky, has 'a soul woven from steel wires and silken threads.' What a path of tribulations you have gone through with me. You have so much inner strength." Netanyahu concluded his speech by telling the crowd, "With your help and the help of God, we will keep this country together and 'Judah will exist forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.'"
Credit: Reuters
The Western Wall visit came after a dramatic night, which began with exit polls showing a close race between Likud and the Zionist Union and ended with Likud holding commanding a six-seat lead.
