Opening today's special Knesset session to introduce his new government, Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the plenum to outline the goals of his administration. His speech was repeatedly interrupted by catcalls from opposition MKs, five of whom were ejected from the plenum after repeatedly flouting Knesset laws and being issued warnings by the Knesset Speaker, Likud MK Amir Ohana.
"This new government is determined to restore governance, peace, and personal security to the citizens of Israel," Netanyahu stated. "I hear the opposition's constant laments about 'the end of the state' and even 'the end of democracy.' Members of the opposition, losing the elections is not the end of democracy - it is the essence of democracy.'
"A democratic regime is tested first of all by the willingness of the losing side to accept the majority's decision," Netanyahu continued. "In an orderly democracy, the rules of the game are respected. We saw it just now in a different context, in the World Cup final, when French fans were disappointed like you, but they accepted the result. They even applauded the Argentina team. I know you won't applaud, but I do expect you to respect the voters' decision and cease rebelling against the elected government.'' READ MORE
