Let’s turn the page and close out last week’s events with our look at what did and did not happen in the US Congress last Wednesday.

Israel’s mainstream media rushed to assess the momentary spectacularity of the speech. But they were evaluating a show that hides a tragic reality behind empty slogans and cardboard scenery. In our view, the contrast is too stark to enjoy the show.

We don’t claim to be speechwriters for the Prime Minister, but we offer a few points that we felt were missing from the address.

Perhaps these points would have garnered less applause, or maybe just the same, but they would have better reflected the national sentiment, provided genuine comfort to those in need, and conveyed a sense of sincerity and humanity.

These could have been the words of a leader speaking to all his people—words that would have had a real meaning.

“I would like to start this speech with a moment of silence to honor the memory of all those who have lost their lives since October 7.

Our country and our people have been enduring profound trauma and unimaginable loss for nearly ten months now.

Our history is marked by loss, but we have always found a way to hold our heads high. We know how to bear the weight of grief without allowing it to bend our break our stride.

On October 7, we stumbled and fell, as even the strongest among us sometimes do. Yet, two things have immediately helped us rise.

The first is our remarkable nation, with its iron will and unbreakable spirit. This is a people who do not wait for a call to action, who don’t think twice and rush to save lives, even at the risk of their own, without hesitation or spare questions. Our nation is one of deep empathy and shared responsibility, a people who have continuously learned the importance of unity and mutual support.

Blessed is the country whose people are like that.

I bow my head in reverence to my people and humbly acknowledge the great honor it has been to serve as their chosen leader for so many years. It is precisely because of this trust that I have the unique opportunity to address you now for the fourth time, more than anyone else.”

But I don’t take it for granted.

I know that the people’s trust has been profoundly shaken. After all, on October 7, we, the state, were hardly there for our citizens during their most difficult and painful hours. I’m not sure if we can be forgiven at all, but I apologize anyway. I’m deeply sorry we couldn’t protect you when we should have. I am sorry we were not there for you when you needed us most.

I also understand that trust is not a gift but rather something that must be continually earned. We must live up to the mandate given to us every single day, proving ourselves worthy of this great nation and its sacrifices. I hear you and your justified frustration; I see your desperation. That is why I promise you: once we stabilize the situation and ensure we are on solid ground, we will immediately hold elections and let the people have their say.

The second thing that helped us to rise quickly and recover from the fall was you, the United States of America. Our true friend and partner, who immediately extended a helping hand without any hesitation. In spite of everything, you were with us, you were for us, and we will not forget it.

I know we’ve had our differences and disagreed on many issues over the years. But true friendship allows us to turn the page and start over.

And so I hope that if any hard feelings linger, we will ‘turn the page’ today. Let there be no doubt within these walls about unwavering support for Israel. Let it never be under a question mark in this house.

For ten months, we have been engaged in a grueling war under challenging conditions, battling an inhumane enemy with brutal and criminal tactics. Yet, thanks to our army and our fighters, we have achieved significant results.

However, one task remains incomplete: bringing home those we failed to protect on October 7. While we have carried out extraordinary operations to rescue those we could, ten months is far too long for our people to remain in the hands of ruthless killers.

We have let them down them once again by failing to bring them back soona. Therefore, we will do everything in our power to ensure their return as part of the current negotiations.

It is not an easy decision, but it is the right one, and we will ensure that all our strategic national interests are taken into account. But we will bring our people home.

The pain and despair of their loved ones is shared by all of Israel. We cannot undo their suffering, but we must do everything possible to bring their loved ones home as soon as possible and support them in every way we can.

We must also restore every Israeli’s faith that this State is capable, first and foremost, of protecting and preventing, but if disaster strikes, we will be the first to come to the rescue. This state is built on its people; they are our greatest asset, their lives are sacred to us, and their trust is a precious resource that we cannot afford to squander.

I could offer many more grand and impressive words, but in times like these, words alone are insufficient. Leaders must demonstrate their commitment through action.

I’d be happy to stay longer, but this will be a short visit. I’ll have a few more important meetings and fly back immediately.

We’re at war. Our people are in trouble. After all, important decisions can’t wait.”