Netanyahu: We need to change direction

Netanyahu stated that there is a need for a shift in direction. "We don't need realignment or disengagement, but empowerment. Empowerment in every aspect possible, especially in three areas: Security, economy, and morality." Ha said that "the government is refusing to create a state commission of inquiry and most of the public wants to know the truth. My friends and I in the opposition supported the war. No government has ever embarked on war with more national and international support. The failure has nothing to do with the system of government."

"Three months ago, we received our wake-up call with the outbreak of war in Lebanon and the massive rocket fire. Did everyone learn the lessons from the Lebanon war? The answer, I am afraid to say, is: No," said Netanyahu, who quoted Winston Churchill on the issue of ignoring the alarm bells. "Today we understand the thing my comrades and I were talking about, that Iran is a real threat to our existence, and that its allies in the south and in the north are a threat to our cities and communities. They are arming themselves with vigor," he said.

Netanyahu also mentioned the flow of weapons into Gaza. "The Philadelphi route has collapsed, Gaza is wide open, and streams of weapons and missiles are flowing from Sinai into Gaza. While the public understands the dangers, nobody is turning it into actions," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also took advantage of his speech to congratulate Knesset Member Natan Sharansky for his retirement and for remembering the families of the kidnapped soldiers, especially Ron Arad, who has been in captivity for 20 years.