'We prevented the destruction of Third Temple': Netanyahu shares message on eve of Tisha B'av

ByTOBIAS HOLCMANJULY 22, 2026 19:42Updated: JULY 22, 2026 19:46Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Wednesday, on the eve of Tisha B'av that over the past three years, Israelis had prevented "the destruction of the Third Temple." "Instead of a civil war, we were brothers fighting shoulder to shoulder to repel those who seek our lives," he said, pointing out that the nation "saved Israel together.""We showed the world that the people of Israel are a brave people, a brave army, a generation of heroes. We repelled the terror of destruction and achieved great achievements."Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Negev Conference in Dimona, July 14, 2026 (credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90)Netanyahu says Israel's work to defend itself is not overNetanyahu later added that he understood the work was not over, that there were still challenges ahead. However, he claimed that he intends to unite Israel in the upcoming elections. "I will work to establish a broad national government, a stable government that will take care of our security and our future. I know that, during an election period, there will be arguments that will make it difficult for us to see this, but I also know that we are much more united than we seem," he said."Together, with God's help, we will ensure the eternity of Israel," he said in conclusion.Netanyahu's comments come as Israel heads to elections, where the prime minister's reigning Likud Party will face off against Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar Party, and Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid's Together Party. Follow us on Google