New York, NY, March 18, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today extended congratulations to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud Party for their strong showing in Israel’s elections.
Barry Curtiss-Lusher, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
We extend our congratulations to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud Party for their strong showing in these elections, and wish the prime minister well as he moves to build a new governing coalition.
With the highest turnout in 15 years for national elections, the people of Israel selected their parliamentary representation for the next four years. The proud demonstration of Israel’s open and vibrant democracy over the more than 67 years since its founding stands in stark contrast to every other country in the Middle East.
Regretfully, this campaign was too often marked by extreme and divisive statements by candidates. We urge leaders of all parties to work to reach out to all segments of Israel’s society and heal these wounds.
Now the work of forming a governing coalition begins. We wish Israel’s leaders success in establishing a new government that will be able to effectively address the many domestic and security issues facing Israel.