Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a victory speech to supporters of his Likud Party in the wee hours of Tuesday morning after his stunning, come-from-behind victory in Israel’s third successive elections.
Netanyahu came onstage singing his party song, and thanked his supporters for their hard work in securing the win.
“I remember our first victory in 1996. It was an historic victory,” Netanyahu said, in Hebrew. “But this victory, this time, is at least as sweet, if not sweeter. An even greater victory! Because it was a victory against all the odds.”
Netanyahu had trailed in polls until the final days, and still faces criminal indictment on corruption charges (which his supporters claim are baseless and politically motivated).
But voters rallied to his side for a variety of factors.
Deadly military helicopter crash in Texas kills 2, sparks wildfire and forces evacuations: officials
Alex Murdaugh’s ‘Charleston or bust’ prayer shot down by prosecutors in fight over ‘Holy City’ retrial
Trump says Karoline Leavitt will leave White House press secretary role, become outside advisor
Former SPLC official arrested as feds expand case over alleged $4M scheme involving extremist groups
Former SPLC Exec Arrested on Fraud Charges Connected to KKK Relationship
DOJ charges 11 in alleged decadelong sham marriage scheme involving Chinese nationals
Report: Russia Is Giving China ‘Incredibly Important’ Military Technology to Use Against US
Trump’s dead ‘anti-weaponization fund’ comes back to life in Georgia Senate race
Ukraine pauses strikes on tankers after JD Vance request and Russian threats
‘Decoy’ Air Force One was protected by US fighter jets, official says
DOJ heavyweights throw monkey wrench in Dem plans to put Trump allies in hot seat
Leftists Melt Down as ESPN’s Biggest Star Hangs Out With Trump to Promote High School Athletes
Graphic Language: Video Shows El-Sayed Pal Hasan Piker Bragging About Wiping ‘My A** With the Constitution’
Florida deputy killed ex-girlfriend over a TV, then himself, sheriff says
Texas mom accused of killing 3-year-old daughter captured in Mexico after nearly 30 years on the run
One may have been the indirect influence of American politics. Israeli voters watching Democrats choose Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as their frontrunner may have been convinced to stick with their tough-minded leader. Netanyahu came to power in 2009 promising to oppose pressure from then-newly-elected President Barack Obama.
Netanyahu cited his record. “Do you know why [voters] put faith in us?” he asked. “Because they know that we brought the greatest decade in the history of the State of Israel.”
He talked about the country’s economic progress — which defied the recession that gripped much of the rest of the world — saying Israel had become “a country that is good to live in,” in terms of quality of life.
He also cited his good relationships with foreign leaders — not just with President Donald Trump, but also with Muslim nations.
One supporter waved a “Trump 2020: Keep America Great” prominently at the Likud victory party.
Deadly military helicopter crash in Texas kills 2, sparks wildfire and forces evacuations: officials
Alex Murdaugh’s ‘Charleston or bust’ prayer shot down by prosecutors in fight over ‘Holy City’ retrial
Trump says Karoline Leavitt will leave White House press secretary role, become outside advisor
Former SPLC official arrested as feds expand case over alleged $4M scheme involving extremist groups
Former SPLC Exec Arrested on Fraud Charges Connected to KKK Relationship
DOJ charges 11 in alleged decadelong sham marriage scheme involving Chinese nationals
Report: Russia Is Giving China ‘Incredibly Important’ Military Technology to Use Against US
Trump’s dead ‘anti-weaponization fund’ comes back to life in Georgia Senate race
Ukraine pauses strikes on tankers after JD Vance request and Russian threats
‘Decoy’ Air Force One was protected by US fighter jets, official says
DOJ heavyweights throw monkey wrench in Dem plans to put Trump allies in hot seat
Leftists Melt Down as ESPN’s Biggest Star Hangs Out With Trump to Promote High School Athletes
Graphic Language: Video Shows El-Sayed Pal Hasan Piker Bragging About Wiping ‘My A** With the Constitution’
Florida deputy killed ex-girlfriend over a TV, then himself, sheriff says
Texas mom accused of killing 3-year-old daughter captured in Mexico after nearly 30 years on the run
Exit polls projected that Likud had won roughly 36 or 37 seats in Israel’s 120-seat Knesset, nearly enough to form a governing majority with small conservative parties. The opposition Blue and White was projected to win 33 or 33.
Though it was not clear whether Netanyahu would have enough seats to reach a coalition of 61, it was presumed that he would be able to do so — and without the help of a smaller spoiler party that had stymied him twice before.
The vote-counting process is expected to take more than 48 hours, with final results only determined by Thursday morning.
“The time has come to end the cycle of elections and to establish a government in Israel!” Netanyahu concluded.
Story cited here.
