Herzog: Labor will replace Netanyahu's gov't of intimidation and stagnation
Labor leader vows to reclaim party's former glory of 44 mandates during Rabin era and lead a dramatic change in Israel.
Labor leader Isaac Herzog said on Sunday night that a government led by him would be "an alternative to Netanyahu's government of intimidation and stagnation," and vowed to lead to a dramatic change in Israel.
The Labor Conference approved on Sunday the rotation agreement with Tzipi Livni's Hatnua and was asked to vote on a date for the party's primary elections ahead of the general elections that will be held on March 17.
In his speech at the conference, Herzog promised to replace "a government whose members compete with each other on a daily basis - who incites more, who is fierier, who is more extreme - and all of this while the citizens lose faith and give up on the hope it could be better here."
Labor, he said, "has a leadership the likes of which the state of Israel hasn't seen in many years. And I'm telling you that in 94 days we are going to lead to a dramatic change in Israel."
"Since the days of Yitzhak Rabin, may he rest in peace, the party has been shrinking. We had 44 mandates then - and now we have a historic opportunity to grow and break out and bring back anyone who was lost to us along the way," he added.
His mission, he told Labor's delegates and activists, is "to unite the Zionist camp."
"To unite those for whom Zionism and democracy are not just poetic phrases, but the very essence of the state of Israel. To unite those ... who are no longer willing to put up with incitement, discrimination, racism and social gaps."
He promised to lead Israel to growth, to narrow social gaps, to open a dialogue with Israel's neighbors and to strengthen Israel's security and ensure its future.
"The Labor party will chart the social-economic policy of the next government and lead a clear world view that centers on social justice, job security, decent wages to workers in all fields and sectors and above all - a life with dignity for each and every Israeli citizen.
"Together, we will leave no stone unturned in the diplomatic area as well, in an effort to recreate a channel of a sobered dialogue with our neighbors in order to return to the negotiating table and strive for a sustainable diplomatic agreement that is based on uncompromising security arrangements."
Preaching to "put ego aside and act towards the wider national interest," Herzog explained his decision to join forces with Tzipi Livni in noting that those who deal with the public's needs ought to always favor the greater good to their own personal needs.
"I've known Tzipi Livni for many years. We've shared many hours of discussions and decision-making on the most important and sensitive of topics. I know her skills and abilities and I can tell you - Tzipi Livni and I will together lead the state of Israel to a better future. Together we will reignite the hope in the hearts of each and every Israeli citizen.
"We have a true partnership. This is a partnership of leaders and parties who put the good of the state at the top of their priorities." he said.
