Today, the leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu upon the apparent results of Israel’s election and his likely return to leading the State of Israel’s government as Prime Minister.

The leadership of the Orthodox Union stated:

“We extend our congratulations to Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu on the election results and his likely return to lead the government of the State of Israel. We trust he will deliver on his mandate to protect the Jewish state and its right to exist and to help support Jews worldwide. As the homeland of our people, we look to the to-be-formed governing coalition to preserve the essential Jewish character of the State, by maintaining public Shabbat observance, Kashrut, and conversion standards.

“We wish Mr. Netanyahu the Almighty’s blessings of wisdom, strength, and fortitude as he steers Israel forward and protects her from her enemies. We look forward to working with him, as the Orthodox Union has worked with his predecessors since Israel’s founding.

“As the only democracy in the Middle East, we call upon the international community, as well as those across the global Jewish community, to congratulate Israel and work with its leaders to secure the region and advance its prosperity.”