Responding to the news that, after twelve years in power, Benjamin Netanyahu’s term as prime minister has ended, New Israel Fund CEO Daniel Sokatch released the following statement:

Former Prime Minister Netanyahu’s legacy was dominated by relentless delegitimization of human rights organizations, anti-democratic and racist laws aimed at Palestinian citizens and people seeking asylum in Israel, as well as attempts to undermine the justice system for personal gain. This is a legacy that will echo in Israel society even when he is gone.

As Netanyahu departs, the leaders of Israel’s new, ideologically diverse coalition have the opportunity to serve as a government that works for everyone. They can help Israelis heal from the terrible violence of last month and reassert that Israel is a country that believes in and stands for the values of equality and justice.

The vast majority of American Jews and so many Israelis — Jews and Arabs alike — have an abiding hope that this new government will choose to put Israel on a path of justice, equality, and democracy. As this new government is sworn in, we share that hope.