Live UpdateFrom the Liveblog of Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Netanyahu accuses political rivals of trying to harm the economy

31 January 2023, 2:36 pm 0 Edit

In this handout photo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during an event at Haifa Port on January 31, 2023. (Haim Zach/GPO)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuses his political rivals of trying to harm the economy, as his right-religious coalition has come under criticism over its proposals for a major shakeup of the judicial system.

“It’s not pleasant to lose elections… but you don’t need to turn this bitterness into harming the Israeli economy,” Netanyahu says during an event at the Haifa Port following the recent completion of its purchase by a consortium of firms led by India’s Adani Group.

“First off, it won’t help, because the economy is so strong and the smart investors come here,” he adds. “I suggest you simply join us and do the right thing: Build our economy, continue to open up and nurture our free market [economy], and together we’ll ensure a wonderful future.”