Tel-Aviv – The Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his ‘sorry’ against Arab voters after election victory.
The racist remarks of Benjamin Netanyahu, which offended many voters, affected the result of the election. Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there would be no Palestinian state if he gains the elections.

“The right-wing government is in danger. Arab voters are coming out in droves to the polls. Left-wing organizations are busing them out. Get out to vote, bring your friends and family, vote Likud in order to close the gap between us and Labor.”, Netanyahu said while the election process was continuing.

The racist comments of Netanyahu offended Arabs and resulted in a larger-than-expected victory of the Likud Party. After his anti-Arab and racist remarks, Netanyahu expressed his ‘sorry’ by saying “I know that the things I said a few days ago hurt some citizens in Israel, the Arab Israeli citizens,”. He said “This was not my intention and I am sorry.”

Netanyahu added: “I see myself as the prime minister of each and every one of you, of all Israeli citizens without differentiating between religions, races and sex. I see in all Israeli citizens partners in building the State of Israel, one that is thriving and safe for all Israeli citizens.”

Reactions against apology

Ayman Odeh, leader of the Joint Arab List: “We do not accept this apology”
Netanyahu’s comments also caused criticism of the White House and it is “deeply concerned” due to “divisive rhetoric” of Netanyahu. The White House adviser Denis McDonough said “We cannot pretend that these comments were never made.”

In Washington, the State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf: “When you say things, words matter. And if you say something different two days later, which do we believe,” “What we’re looking for now are actions and policies.”, she said.

Ayşe Nur DOK