By:  ICEJ News

Herzog issues graceful concession

The Likud Party of incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a triumphantly convincing victory in Tuesday’s elections, garnering 30 mandates and the almost certain ability to form the next government. “We have scored a major victory for the nationalist camp headed by Likud,” Netanyahu told supporters at a victory rally Wednesday morning. “I’m proud of the Israeli people because at the moment of truth they knew to differentiate between challenge and nonsense and they took up the challenge.” He also contacted potential coalition partners on Wednesday morning before heading to the Western Wall to say a prayer of thanks. “The reality isn’t waiting on us,” Netanyahu said. “Reality isn’t taking a break. The citizens of Israel expect us to quickly put together a leadership that will work for the sake of the country’s security, economy, and society as we promised to do, and that is what I will do.”

“A few minutes ago I spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and congratulated him on his achievement and wished him luck,” Herzog told reporters at his own post-election press conference. He added that his Zionist Union party would assume the role of loyal opposition to the right-wing government led by Netanyahu.

“This morning has not been any easy one for us or our followers. We will lead and fight together with our partners to the Knesset with the values we believe in. We will fight for the Israeli citizens for social justice, diplomatic prospects, equality and democracy with hope and belief, in order to have a Jewish and democratic country, just and safe. We would like to thank everyone who believed in us, with all of our hearts.”

Final poll results showed the Zionist Union garnering 24 mandates, followed by the Joint Arab List (14); Yesh Atid (11); Kulanu (10); Bayit Yehudi (8).