“The State of Israel is at a critical juncture,” Shelach said at the beginning of his statement. “In the next election, it will be decided whether we will continue to live under a failed and morally rotten regime, or whether we will end the longest political crisis in our history and embark on a new path. This junction requires every person to take an unequivocal position and make courageous decisions.
“Benjamin Netanyahu must go. His too long rule has reached a low point, which even those who were his closest partners recognize today. My friends and I will be partners in any government that brings an end to his rule, and of course we will not be part of any government that heads it.”
Shelach went on to say: “The sad story of Blue and White teaches us that ‘just not Bibi’ is not enough. The biggest failure in the history of our politics was born from the idea that in order to win it in elections one must bring a star team, try to connect ideological ends and stay away from any clear statement. .
“For this reason, three and a half months ago, I demanded that Meir Lapid hold open elections for the camp leadership, in which it will be determined who heads it and his ideological path redefined. I told him that without profound change, there can be no alternative. Lapid refused, and always refuses. “I was right, unfortunately: because of the vital need to replace Netanyahu, the center-left voters in the last election are flocking today to those who drafted and led the Nationality Law, openly oppose any effort for peace, and support a predatory economy and the religious establishment in our lives.”
According to Shelach, “The next government must have a representation of a clear path and a worldview that so many Israelis share. Because of this, I was forced to leave Yesh Atid. I was one of the party’s founders, I donated all my talents and lectures to its success. “For them and for them, and they also know in their hearts that the refusal to change carries within it the seeds of failure. I thank them and love them, even at this moment, when I announce the establishment of a new political framework that will run in the upcoming elections.”
Shelach added: “I fought and was wounded in the defense of this country, I know her and her people deeply. She needs a different leadership, with ideological depth, credibility and political ability. In my years in the press and politics I proved that I have both. Think well: Do you believe him? more than me?
“I believe in new socio-economic solutions that will address not only the corona crisis but also the challenges of life in the coming decades. I believe that only a country that provides a proper safety net for all its citizens will flourish and prosper. I believe in the vital need to end power over another people. If we do so, there is a danger to the existence of a Jewish and democratic Israel, to the strength of the IDF and to the strength of Israeli society. I believe in a strong and independent law enforcement system, in a government whose time stipulates that time is limited, in an open and constant dialogue between voters and elected officials and in the renewal of democracy. I believe that in the state of the Jewish people it is obligatory to maintain full civic equality, that every voice is equally legitimate and that those who incite against a minority divide them all.
“In this regard, I would like to say to my friends in the camp things, some of which may not be pleasant to your ears: the days of weeping and the end of our beautiful Israel, which is no more, are over. The days of disqualification of whole publics, ultra-Orthodox and Arabs The days of generals, political combos, ideological zigzags and popular figures that are nice to everyone.
“The ultra-Orthodox public is 15% of the population in Israel. We have serious disagreements about the image of the state, but he is a partner. Nothing good will happen from incitement against him, or from the thought that the required changes can be made on his nose and anger. The ultra-Orthodox know I am an ideological opponent, but Ben A dialogue will lead to the restoration of cooperation between them and our bloc, which characterized the Labor Party of yesteryear. The Arab public lives within us. We have difficult disagreements about the image of the state, but it is a partner. Nothing good will happen from incitement against it, or from the cynical thought that can be used. And throw in. His voice is legitimate and his voice will be heard.
In the coming days, we will represent more women, many women, and men from many walks of life, young and old, who have one thing in common: they are not guests for a moment, but have come to walk the path until the task is completed. “
After sending, Cohen delivered an emotional speech. “For almost a whole year now, we have been hearing the Israeli government praise and glorify itself – for managing the health crisis, for buying vaccines, for stopping the disease,” Cohen said. “And I ask you today, what are they talking about? Who do they think they are working for?
“For almost a whole year we have been living here in constant uncertainty, in an economic crisis unparalleled in Israel, with decisions that are pulling from the waist, without data establishment, without professional opinions. Everything is based on political interests and embarrassing ego games. I do not renew anything to you. Know it.
“Ofer and I witnessed all the delusional and stuttering decisions of the decision-makers. And yet, when we thought we were back on track, this coming Sunday an entire country will enter a closure for the third time that is a result of government failures, non-enforcement and lawlessness at Ben Gurion Airport.
“Again, those who will pay the price are tens of thousands of self-employed and business owners, who have just returned to work. Whole families once again find themselves across an abyss who knows how and when they will get out of it. And worst of all, no one in the Israeli government cares. “And they look away from the other side. They are demonstrating in front of the Knesset. And they are continuing on their own.”
At this point, Cohen pulled out a checkbook and turned to Prime Minister Netanyahu: “Do you recognize that? It’s a checkbook. This coming Sunday, this is what business owners in the State of Israel are going to receive in return checks, calls from the bank’s director and a halt to credit – all because of a closure that you and the government headed by you are landing on us again. You forgot your place. You forgot that you are public servants, and not the other way around. You are busy playing chair games instead of seeing the store owner, the beautician, the barber before your eyes. You have lost the north, and we, the self-employed and the business owners, are tired of paying time and time again for the decisions you make. ”
