Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed President Shimon Peres that he has succeeded in building a new coalition government, during a meeting Saturday night at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
On Friday, Netanyahu’s Likud-Beitenu signed an agreement with Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid and Naftali Benett’s Habayit Hayeudi to form the government, one day before the legal deadline. It also includes Tzipi Livni Hatnua party and will have 22 ministers.
"As you know I was tasked with forming a government. You bestowed that task upon me and I carried it out. We are standing before a decisive year in terms of security, economy and in efforts to progress peace. The citizens of Israel wanted change. This government shows cooperation, and I believe that we will be able to bring news in all these fields, to all the citizens of Israel. That is my mission and I know that it is your prayer," Netanyahu said at the beginning of the meeting.
President Peres thanked the Prime Minister :"There were difficulties in the creation of this government and I congratulate you that you succeeded in forming the government in time. The task of forming a government is complex and requires great efforts and resourcefulness. I congratulate you and the new government and hope that you can now set out on your path. As you said, there are problems pending but there are also full of opportunities in the fields of security, welfare and in making peace – in progressing the peace process. The country needs it and the people need it – the time has come. Good luck and my blessings to you and the new government."
Netanyahu told Peres that "we will want to be assisted by your experience and wisdom."