Netanyahu promises to unite country in campaign video ahead of Tisha B’Av fast

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a campaign video ahead of the Tisha B’Av fast, promising to deepen national unity and establish a “broad national government.” He stated, “On the eve of Tisha B’Av, we remember the destruction of the Temple. We remember the terrible price of hatred and division among ourselves.” Netanyahu claimed his government prevented the “destruction of the Third Temple” by uniting against external threats, despite his administration passing divisive legislation and excluding Arab parties from his vision of a broad government. This statement follows President Isaac Herzog’s warning against “violence rearing its head” during the election campaign.

• Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party announced candidates for its Knesset slate, with voting limited to the central committee and Smotrich retaining control over two top-10 placements.
• Avi Maoz’s Noam party announced bereaved father Eliyahu Libman would join its slate.
• Yashar, led by Gadi Eisenkot, announced that former COGAT chief Maj. Gen. (res.) Kamil Abu Rukun is joining its slate, with Eisenkot pledging a realistic spot for a Druze candidate.