Politicians offer condolences to Netanyahu after passing of his father

Several Knesset members offered their condolences to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday following the passing of his father, Benzion Netanyahu.

Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin described the elder Netanyahu as one of the greats of Revisionist Zionism and a symbol of pure, uncompromising Zionism.

“From the earliest time I can remember, I knew Professor Netanyahu as a man who connected his life with Jerusalem and Zionism, and who aided Ze’ev Jabotinsky most personally,” said Rivlin. “His descendants will continue to be nourished through his meditations and his worldview. Benzion represents a chapter in Zionist heritage and Jewish history.”

Opposition head Shaul Mofaz recounted his “honor and merit” when he accompanied Benzion Netanyahu on a visit to several sites important to his son Yoni after the soldier was killed in the Entebbe rescue in 1976.

Mofaz described Benzion as “a precious man, humble and unique in his thinking, … a man of great stature, a Zionist who believed in the revival of Israel and in its right to exist. He even paid the most exorbitant price of all, the life of his son Yoni. I feel deep sorrow with his passing, share in the pain of the family, and send them my condolences.”

Labor Party head Shelly Yachimovich wrote to the prime minister that “We all have only one father. And in your case, we are talking about a unique man, great historian, ideologue and intellectual who profoundly impacted Israeli society and its heritage.”

Zahava Gal-On, who heads the left-wing Meretz party, also offered condolences to Netanyahu for the passing of his father.

The Knesset’s opposition parties agreed Monday to postpone a planned motion of no-confidence in the Netanyahu government until after the traditional seven days of mourning.