Ex-Israeli Premier makes plea to Israelis, urging them not to leave country

6/27/2024 6:24:20 AM

(MENAFN) On Wednesday, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made an impassioned plea to his fellow Israelis, urging them to remain in the country during what he described as the most severe crisis since Israel's founding in 1948.

Posting on Platform X, Bennett shared a poignant story about an anonymous but exceptionally talented software engineer who informed him of plans to relocate to a European country before the upcoming school year in early September. Bennett expressed deep sorrow over this decision, using it as a springboard to appeal to all Israelis.

"We are facing the hardest times since the War of Independence in 1948," Bennett wrote, outlining the various crises the nation is grappling with: international boycotts, diminished deterrence, 120 Israelis in captivity, thousands of bereaved families, the abandonment of the Galilee in northern Israel, widespread displacement, self-serving ministers, economic instability, and a burgeoning deficit.

Despite these daunting challenges, Bennett conveyed a message of resilience and hope. "This is completely true, but we certainly can, and we will, get out of this hole," he asserted, underscoring the importance of retaining the nation's talent and dedication to surmount the current adversities.

While there are no official statistics on the number of Israelis who have left the country since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, the Zaman Israel news website reported that over half a million Israelis departed and did not return in the first six months of the war.

This exodus is largely a response to the ongoing conflict initiated by Tel Aviv against the Gaza Strip, with unwavering support from the United States. The war, which began on October 7, has resulted in approximately 124,000 Palestinian casualties, including a significant number of women and children, and over 10,000 missing persons. The conflict has led to widespread destruction and famine, claiming numerous lives, especially among children.

In parallel, hundreds of Israelis gathered in front of the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv on Wednesday evening, demanding an end to the war and an immediate agreement for the return of prisoners from the Gaza Strip.

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