Politics

President Shimon Peres, this evening (Monday, 18 March 2013), at his Jerusalem residence, made the following remarks
at the traditional photograph with the new government:

"I am pleased to host the 33rd Government of the State of Israel here at the President's Residence.
It is a government that has both veteran members and new faces, a government that has those with experience
 in government work and abilities in other, varied fields. It is a government which will provide a fresh breeze.
Before you – members of the 33rd government – stand complex challenges in the fields of security, economy and social issues.
 Most of all we must stand strong in face of the Iranian threat and make the utmost effort to move forward with negotiations
for peace with the Palestinians.

The responsibility on your shoulders, primarily on the Prime Minister, but on the whole government, on each and every one of you is great and the entire nation is watching you. I am confident that you will be attentive to the needs of the people and will respond to their wishes, all of this with loyalty to the authority which has been bestowed upon you.

As the President of the State of Israel, I am at your service.

Good luck."