Israel Election

Catherine Wiedman
cwiedman13@ehc.edu

In a recent head-turning election, Benjamin Netanyahu retained his title as Prime

Minister of Israel, defeating the Zionist Union alliance. It was reported that Netanyahus party
managed to acquire 30 of the 120 Parliament seats, while his opponents only received 24 seats.
I am proud of the Israeli people that, in the moment of truth, knew how to separate
between whats important or whats not and to stand up for whats important,said Netanyahu at
his victory rally. For the most important thing for all of us, which is real security, social
economy and strong leadership.
This victory surprised residents and political analysts as it followed a string of mudslinging campaigns and offensive comments to voters along the way. Despite this, Netanyahu
will now serve a fourth term in office and support the Likud Party.
This election is of particular interest to the U.S. administration, as it follows Netanyahus
controversial speech to Congress earlier this year. During his address, the Prime Minister
offended Democrats by undermining peace talks regarding Israels nuclear weaponry. Instead,
Netanyahu insisted that halting Israels nuclear arsenal would allow Iran to grow to a nuclear
threat.
In a statement emailed from his Senate office, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said,
Israel is and has always been Americas friend and ally. I was pleased to hear Prime Minister
Netanyahus speech to Congress today and join him in calling for peace and standing together
for our mutual interests. It is important to work together to prevent a nuclear Iran and the spread
of Radical Islam.

Most Democrats, however, were less than pleased with Netanyahus speech. According
to CNN, 58 Democratic members of Congress, including Vice President Joe Biden, purposefully
did not attend the speech. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi did attend the event and was
described by the New York Times as incredulous and furious throughout.
That is why, as one who values the U.S. Israel relationship and loves Israel, I was near
tears throughout the Prime Ministers speech saddened by the insult to the intelligence of the
United States as part of the P5 +1 nations, and saddened by the condescension toward our
knowledge of the threat posed by Iran and our broader commitment to preventing nuclear
proliferation, Pelosi said after the speech.
Regardless of political interests, all eyes around the world will be on Israel over the next
several months.
May Israel and America always stand together, strong and resolute, Netanyahu said at
the conclusion of his speech.