“It is important that we follow the rules and instructions and do not give way to fear or panic. This is a time of trial, not only for the health system and our economy, but for us all as a society.”

“The success of the State of Israel in dealing with this extreme crisis lies in the hands of our civil society. Now is when we are asked to keep calm and to avoid hysteria.”

“That is the sprit, our spirit, and if we maintain it, it will take care of us.“

The president on the consultations to form a government:

“Dealing with emergencies has never been at the expense of Israeli democracy, but has rather strengthened it and made our country, the State of Israel, more resilient. We are committed, more than ever, in light of the urgent need for a government, to hold essential democratic processes, even in a time of crisis.”

President Rivlin to party representatives:

“I believe that anyone who has watched the news in recent days understands that this is a time of trial, and that these are not regular consultations. I ask of all party representatives who come here to do so in the understanding that we must now deal with forming a government as soon as possible, that we lead our people at this complex time.”

President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Sunday 15 March / 19 Adar, began the round of consultations with all parties elected to the 23rd Knesset. At the beginning of the consultations, with the arrival of the first party, Likud, the president addressed Israelis in light of the situation.

President Rivlin’s remarks in full:

“Israeli citizens, we are in the midst of an extraordinary campaign, war and struggle, Israeli and global, against the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). I want to thank the medical and emergency staffs, who are putting their lives in your hands right now, and are on the front line of fighting the virus. I want to send my best wishes to those who are ill and their families at this difficult time. My dear ones, it is important that we follow the rules and instructions and do not give way to fear or panic. This is a time of trial, not only for the health system and our economy, but for us all as a society.

More than ever, the success of the State of Israel in dealing with this extreme crisis lies in the hands of our civil society. Now is when we are asked to keep calm and to avoid hysteria. Now is when we are asked to give our children, on our own, a positive and normal routine. Now is when we are asked,more than ever, to take responsibility for our fellows, particularly the elderly among us – in our buildings, communities, neighborhoods, and those who are at the highest risk not just of getting sick, but of finding themselves isolated and without supplies. That is the sprit, our spirit, and if we maintain it, it will take care of us.

Citizens of Israel, dealing with emergencies has never been at the expense of Israeli democracy, but has rather strengthened it and made our country, the State of Israel, more resilient. We are committed, more than ever, in light of the urgent need for a government, to hold essential democratic processes, even in a time of crisis. The consultations we are holding today are a direct continuation of the elections we all took part in. Now, with the counting over, I will meet representatives of the parties to hear their views on assigning the task of forming a government.

Let me remind you: the president of the state is the representative of the citizens of Israel. He does not form a government. In the process of consultations with the parties, my role is to clarify which Member of Knesset has the best chance to form a government. With that, I believe that anyone who has watched the news in recent days understands that this is a time of trial, and that these are not regular consultations. I ask of all party representatives who come here to do so in the understanding that we must now deal with forming a government as soon as possible, that we lead our people at this complex time. It may be that forming a government demands interim arrangements for the coming months. I have no doubt that this is what the people expects of its leaders at this time. In this spirit, and in order to respect the will of the people, I will use my judgement as president of the state. Israeli presidents have always been faithful to the letter and the spirit of the law. That is how I have acted and will continue to act. God bless you all.”