JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invoked the memory of the destruction of the ancient Temples on the eve of Tisha B’Av, urging Israelis to overcome division and commit to national unity as he vowed to form a broad, stable government.

In a statement released Wednesday, Netanyahu reflected on the fast day’s themes of loss and baseless hatred while highlighting the resilience of the Israeli people.

“We remember the terrible price of hatred and persecution within us,” he said. “As the Prime Minister of Israel, I will work to deepen the unity within us. I will work to establish a broad national government, a stable government that will ensure our security and future.”

Netanyahu acknowledged that upcoming election campaigns will feature heated debates that could obscure shared values, but he expressed confidence in the nation’s underlying strength.

“I know that during the election period, there will be debates that will make it difficult for us to see this, but I also know that we are much more united than it seems,” he said. “Because I saw you in times of trial. Because I meet our heroic fighters. Because I saw the people of Israel in all its glory, with one hand reaching out to the other.”

The prime minister drew a direct lesson from Jewish history: “In baseless hatred we were destroyed, in love for Israel we rose.”

He concluded with a message of hope: “Together, with G-d’s help, we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”