Olmert
Presents New Israel Government To Knesset By
Israel News Agency Staff
Jerusalem----May
4........The following is the speech that Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gave
today to the Knesset in presenting his new government: Congratulations
to you, Madam Speaker, on your election to this prestigious role. This is the
first time in the history of the State of Israel that a female member of Knesset
is serving as Speaker. You are deserving of this position. For many years, you
have served in senior positions in the Knesset and the Government. You are very
familiar with the halls and procedures of this institution, the heart of Israeli
democracy. Now, you have been given an amazing opportunity to shape its future
proceedings, and determine, together with the members of Knesset, the patterns
of work, relationships and content which will leave their mark on public life
and the system of government of the State of Israel in the coming years. I wish
you, on my own behalf and on behalf of the members of Knesset, luck in this important
and demanding position. Members
of Knesset, On April 6, 2006, the President assigned me the task of forming the
Government. At the conclusion of the coalition negotiations, conducted with wisdom
and responsibility by teams from the various parties, agreements were signed and
the new Government's basic guidelines were drafted – they are now before you.
At the beginning of the week, I informed the President that I had succeeded in
forming a government. In
recognition of this great privilege and heavy responsibility, in modesty and humility,
I ask today for the Knesset's vote of confidence in the Government that I am presenting.
In the outgoing Government, it was my privilege to serve as Acting Prime Minister
for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. I stood beside him in times of uncertainty and
fateful decisions, and I admired his courage, equanimity and powerful leadership.
Even when everything around him was stormy and turbulent, Arik remained in the
eye of the storm, quiet and confident, his hand holding the wheel steady and focused.
His successful term as Prime Minister will be remembered as a founding chapter
in the annals of the State. Unfortunately, after he led the State of Israel as
a loved and admired Prime Minister, and led us to remarkable achievements in a
bold and far-sighted policy, Ariel Sharon's health failed. From here, on behalf
of the Government of Israel, in the name of the Knesset and the citizens of Israel,
I express my hope and prayer that Ariel Sharon will live to see the realization
of his political vision. Yesterday,
the State of Israel celebrated its 58th Independence Day. How great is the difference
between the situation that the people of Israel were in on May 14, 1948 and our
situation today. At the time of the Declaration of the Establishment of the State
we stood, only three years after the Holocaust, with our backs to the wall. With
meager resources and weaponry, we stood in a desperate military defensive against
an invasion, whose declared purpose was the eradication of the newly born state.
We were but a step away from extinction. The pages of history of the State of
Israel since then are full of heroism, sacrifice, magnificent creation, construction,
settlement, massive immigration absorption and a free and enlightened democratic
government. The cycle of hostility around us, the war and terrorism, bereavement
and pain, did not cease for one minute and did not stop the bursting vitality
and the progress and prosperity of the State of Israel. This
miracle is unprecedented in the history of nations. From its birth, the State
of Israel advocated two founding bases – the Jewish base and the democratic base:
the supreme value of a “Jewish state”, at the same time with the uncompromising
demand that the democratic state of Israel will provide “complete social and political
equality to all its citizens, regardless of religion, race or gender”. These two
bases embody the core values of the renewed Jewish sovereignty in the land of
Israel. If you take one and disconnect if from the state, it is as if you cut
off its lifeline. Therefore, those wishing to look directly into our past, see
the reality of our lives and look to the future, must do so with both eyes open
– the Jewish eye and the democratic eye. Only then, with both eyes open, do the
colors of Israeli society come together into one clear, vivid and meaningful picture.
I,
like many others, also dreamed and yearned that we would be able to keep the entire
land of Israel, and that the day would never come when we would have to relinquish
parts of our land. Only those who have the land of Israel burning in their souls
know the pain of relinquishing and parting with the land of our forefathers. I
personally continue to advocate the idea of the entire land of Israel as a heart's
desire. I believe with all my heart in the people of Israel's eternal historic
right to the entire land of Israel. However, dreams and recognition of this right
do not constitute a political program. Even if the Jewish eye cries, and even
if our hearts are broken, we must preserve the essence. We
must preserve a stable and solid Jewish majority in our State. Therefore, we must
focus on the area in which a Jewish majority is secured and ensured. The
disengagement from the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria was an essential first
step in this direction, but the main part is still ahead. The continued dispersed
settlement throughout Judea and Samaria creates an inseparable mixture of populations
which will endanger the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish state. It
is those who believe, as I do, in Jabotinsky’s teachings and in full civil equality
between Jews and Arabs, who must understand that partition of the land for the
purpose of guaranteeing a Jewish majority is the lifeline of Zionism. I
know how hard it is, especially for the settlers and those faithful to Eretz Yisrael,
but I am convinced, with all my heart, that it is necessary and that we must do
it with dialogue, internal reconciliation and broad consensus. This does not mean
that the settlement enterprise was entirely in vain. On the contrary. The achievements
of the settlement movement in its major centers will forever be an inseparable
part of the sovereign State of Israel, with Jerusalem as our united capital. Let
us come together around this consensus and turn it into a uniting political and
moral fact. The strength of this nation is in its unity. I will not help those
wishing to cause a rift among the sectors of our nation. It
is my intention to take all future steps through continuous dialogue with the
wonderful settlers in Judea and Samaria. We are brothers and we will remain brothers.
From this podium, I again address the elected President of the Palestinian Authority,
Mr. Mahmoud Abbas. The Government of Israel under my leadership prefers negotiations
with a Palestinian Authority committed to the principles of the Roadmap, which
fights terror, dismantles terrorist organizations, abides by the rules of democracy
and upholds, practically and thoroughly, all agreements which have thus far been
signed with the State of Israel. Negotiation with such an Authority is the most
stable and desired basis for the political process, which can lead to an agreement
which will bring peace. This is what we desire. The
guidelines of this Government propose this. The parliamentary majority which will
back the Government policy is committed to this process. These conditions cannot
be blurred. We will not, under any circumstances, relinquish these demands as
a basis for negotiation. The Palestinian Authority must make fundamental changes
in its patterns of behavior, its reactions and its commitments to the principles
which are the basis for any future negotiations. A Palestinian Government led
by terrorist factions will not be a partner for negotiation, and we will not have
any practical or day-to-day relations. The
State of Israel is prepared to wait for this necessary change in the Palestinian
Authority. We will closely follow the conduct of the Authority. We will continue
to strike at terror and terrorists. We will not hesitate to reach terrorists,
their dispatchers and operators anywhere – I repeat – anywhere, but we will give
the Authority an opportunity to prove that it is aware of its responsibilities
and willing to change. That said, we will not wait forever. The
State of Israel does not want, nor can it suspend the fateful decisions regarding
its future – until the Palestinian Authority succeeds in implementing the commitments
it undertook in the past. If we reach the conclusion that the Authority is dawdling
and is not planning to engage in serious, substantial and fair negotiation – we
will act in other ways. We will also act without an agreement with the Palestinians
to create an understanding which will, first and foremost, be founded on a correct
definition of the desired borders for the State of Israel. These borders must
be defensible, and ensure a solid Jewish majority. The
Security Fence will be adjusted to the borders formulated east and west. The operational
range of the security forces will not be limited, and will be in accordance with
the security reality with which we have to deal. The State of Israel will invest
its resources in areas which will be an organic part of it. The borders of Israel,
which will be defined in the coming years will be significantly different from
the areas controlled by the State of Israel today. This is the Government’s plan,
it is the basis for its existence, it is the commitment made to the Israeli electorate
whose trust we asked for – and received. The agreement to which we aspire to shape
the Middle East is based on consensus, broad consensus first and foremost within
ourselves, and thereafter with our friends around the world. No political process,
certainly not one as fundamentally decisive and comprehensive as the one for which
we are preparing, can be realized without the understanding of many officials
in the international community. We
have no intention of acting alone. We will consult, discuss, talk, and I am certain
that we will reach understandings which will create a broad base of international
backing for these steps, first and foremost with our ally and close friend, the
United States led by President George Bush, and also with our friends in Europe.
Israel strives to improve the understandings and agreements with the countries
of Europe. Today’s European leaders better understand the complexity of the situation
in the Middle East. They understand that there are no simple solutions, certainly
given the upswing in fundamentalist religious fanaticism in various countries
in the Middle East, and the ascendancy of the pro-Iranian Hamas to the Palestinian
Authority. We
will deepen dialogue with Europe and strive to include its leaders in the dialogue
process with the United States. I aspire to deepen the ties with Arab countries.
Egypt and Jordan, countries with which we have peaceful relations, have leaders
who are inspirational. President Mubarak and King Abdullah the Second are welcome,
credible and responsible partners – for those goals which I defined. I will do
all that I can so that our relations with Egypt and the Jordanian Kingdom will
continue to strengthen, and serve as a basis for diplomatic and open relations
with additional Arab countries. The
threat emanating from Iran is casting a heavy pall over the entire region and
is endangering world peace. The pursuit by this rogue and terror-sponsoring regime
of nuclear weapons is currently the most dangerous global development, and the
international community must do its utmost to stop it. The statements by the President
of Iran should not be taken lightly – he means what he says. The State of Israel,
which is targeted for destruction by the evil leaders of Tehran, is not helpless.
However, only a decisive and uncompromising international stand against Iran's
goals can eliminate this threat to world peace. Members
of Knesset, The domestic arena in Israel necessitates in-depth transformation.
The State of Israel must place at the top of its agenda the good of the citizen
– the newborn baby, the pupil, the soldier, the student, the working man and the
elderly. The citizens' right to live in dignity, to receive better service from
the State institutions and to enjoy economic well-being by reaping the fruits
of their labor, should always be borne in mind. Following the Declaration of the
Establishment of the State, Menachem Begin said: “In our nation, justice will
be the supreme ruler, the ruler of all rulers. There will be no tyranny, the public
servants will serve society and not dominate it. There will be no parasitism.
There will be no exploitation. No one in our homes – be it a citizen or a gentile
– will be hungry or homeless or unclothed or deprived of basic education. ‘And
remember that thou was a servant in the land of Egypt’. This supreme decree will
determine our approach towards our neighbor. "And thou shalt pursue justice” –
this supreme decree will guide the relations between our people". This concept
will guide us in our attitude towards every citizen, either Jewish or non-Jewish.
The rights of the minority are craving to be fulfilled, and we will act vigorously
to fulfill them. The
gaps within Israeli society are unacceptable. The continued trend of widening
gaps is a sure recipe for loss of social solidarity. The State of Israel will
lose its moral standing if it evades its responsibility towards the weaker populations
– the elderly, the pensioners, the Holocaust survivors, the disabled, the ailing,
the children at risk, battered women and those targeted for illegal trade – all
those needing protection and assistance, including the children of foreign workers
who grow up among us and love our country, and wish to be part of it. It is not
only our duty towards them. It is first and foremost our duty towards our moral
standards. The
Government will act tirelessly to reduce social and economic gaps. We will formulate
a detailed plan to combat social hardship, act to improve the health system and
particularly the health basket components. We will continue adhering to the correct
economic policy, with the aim of diminishing unemployment and creating a climate
which will enable more members of Israeli society to join the labor market and
earn a decent living. In recent years, harsh violence has become part of our daily
routine – stabbings in places of recreation, hooliganism on Israel's roads and
city streets, rapes, robbery and murders. Israeli society must defend itself.
We must place the personal safety of the citizens of Israel at the top of our
agenda. The
Government will act tirelessly to uproot violence. We will combat crime and violence
– which constitute domestic terrorism – with the same determination with which
we fight terrorism from the outside. The Government will uphold the rule of law,
and act to eradicate corruption from all areas of our lives, including corruption
in government authorities and public apparatuses, and will protect, with all its
might, those involved in enforcing the law, first and foremost, the courts, and
especially the Supreme Court of the State of Israel. Members
of Knesset, Road accidents are a national calamity. The Government will immediately
begin implementing the national program to combat road accidents. We will make
certain that the roads are a safe place for the citizens of Israel. The Government
will act to improve the education system, from nursery school to higher education.
The education system must provide knowledge and skills which are instrumental
to functioning in a modern world: analytical skills, creativity and teaching of
the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. We
will also act to deepen and bolster Jewish education in State schools. We cannot
speak of a Jewish state without having its content known to each and every student.
In conjunction with formal education, we will strive to enhance informal education,
primarily the Zionist youth movements which must regain their natural place as
pioneers leading Israeli youth. Over the last 15 years, the State of Israel has
experienced a tremendous wave of immigration from countries belonging to the former
Soviet Union. This immigration was a great blessing to the State of Israel. The
immigrants from the former Soviet Union are now an essential component of the
total strength of Israeli society. Their contribution is dramatic – culturally,
academically, industrially, in technological innovation, security, medicine and
education. We are proud of the immigrants, and embrace them to our hearts with
love and gratitude. Continued immigration is an important element of the growth
and prosperity of the Israeli economy and society and the consolidation of our
national security. We
will act to strengthen our bond with our Jewish brothers in the Diaspora, particularly
with the younger generation. Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will “be elevated
above the chief joy” of the Government. We will work to transform Jerusalem into
the political, cultural and business center of the State of Israel and the entire
Jewish people. The
Government will act to develop the Negev and the Galilee and consider them as
areas of national priority. The national plan to develop the Negev and the future
plan to develop the Galilee will create a real revolution in these areas. It is
a huge challenge which the Government takes upon itself, with a sense of mission.
The Government will continue to uphold the principles which guided its economic
policy over the last few years, and will especially preserve fiscal discipline,
maintain deficit growth of no more than 3%, and an overall spending ceiling yet
be determined, which will, in any event, not deviate from the growth rate of the
population of the State of Israel. Responsible economic management, integrating
into the international economy, encouraging foreign and local investors, and changing
social priorities within the framework of the total national expenditure – are
the basis for the economic policy which will continue in the future. Members
of Knesset, It is my pleasure to present the Government, which is, however, not
final. I intend to expand it, and include additional partners in the coming days.
I believe I can complete the negotiations, and reach an agreement with United
Torah Judaism and Meretz. I wanted, and still want, the Yisrael Beitenu Party
to join. Thus far, this has not happened. I
ask for the Knesset's vote of confidence in me and my Government. And now, Madam
Speaker, allow me a few personal words. It is customary to say that the responsibility
entailed in filling the role of Prime Minister in a state such as ours is almost
extraordinary when compared to a similar role in any other country in the world.
I am aware of the weight of responsibility that I shoulder, if you place your
trust in the Government, and the immense burden involved. I will do my utmost
to be worthy of this trust. I will mobilize all my inner strength for it, apply
all the values I learned at home from my parents, Bella and Mordechai Olmert,
who taught me and my siblings that there is nothing more important than the welfare,
wholeness and prosperity of our small, tormented, brave and talented country.
For
thousands of years, the life of the Jewish people has been an unending struggle
for its right to exist. Exactly 58 years ago, we realized the generations-long
dream of our people, here in this beautiful land, which is unlike any other. We
established the State of Israel, and earned the privilege of sovereignty over
our lives in our land. Now, the responsibility to ensure its future has been bestowed
on us.
I wish my colleagues in the Government which I head and myself that we will be
deserving of this great privilege granted us, that we will be wise, responsible
and brave enough to know how make it secure, and protect it from those who wish
it harm, that we will know how to maintain proper dimensions and necessary balances
to strengthen the hope which beats in so many hearts, and to bring joy, peace
and security to our country and its citizens. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Communicated
by the Israel Government Press Office. |