PM Netanyahu Addresses the Nation on Eve of Hostage Release

Peloni:  PM Netanyahu addresses the importance of the future survival of Israel being dependent upon the unity of the Israeli people as the enemies of the nation attempt a new pretense of reform.  He speaks of the return of the soldiers and of the hostages, of the joy which these events represent along with the important sacrifices which have been made by both the fallen and the wounded in this war.

Translation:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the citizens of Israel:

“This is an emotional evening. This evening is filled with tears and joy. Tomorrow, our sons will be returning to their homelands.

I know there are many disagreements among us. But on this day, and I also hope in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because together we have achieved tremendous victories. Victories that amazed the whole world. And I want to say: wherever we fought, we won. But at the same time, I must tell you: the campaign is not over.

I know there are many disagreements among us. But on this day, and I also hope in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because together we have achieved tremendous victories. Victories that amazed the whole world. And I want to say: wherever we fought – we won. But at the same time, I must tell you: the campaign is not over. There are still great security challenges ahead of us.

Some of our enemies are trying to rehabilitate themselves to attack us again. And as we say among us – ‘we are on it.’ There are also great opportunities we have never known—precisely because of the victories we have brought.

I am convinced that together we will overcome the challenges and realize the opportunities. During the war, my wife and I met many times with the families of the captives. We saw their pain, their longing, and their tears. These meetings accompanied me in every decision I made during the war. We embraced the families, and I promised them, “I will not rest until I bring back your loved ones.”

I want to thank the IDF soldiers, the commanders, the security forces, the bereaved families who lost their most precious, and our heroic wounded who bear their pain in body and soul, and I want to thank you, citizens of Israel. You who stood firm, day after day, in love for our country and in faith in the righteousness of our path.

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path.
A path of building, a path of healing, and—I hope—a path of uniting hearts. Together we will continue to strengthen our country, together we will continue to win, and with God’s help—together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”