After a long day of speeches and political bantering, Israel's new government took office.

The day had many highs and a few hiccups.

Former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni gave a most inappropriate speech during the Knesset's (Israel's Parliament) deliberations. Instead of offering to work with the incoming government, a government she refused to join, she chose this time of national unity to criticize the new government. Those who heard her agreed that she hurt herself with her carefully prepared criticism.

Fortunately, Livni's sideshow played poorly to those in attendance and did not distract from the celebratory mood of the day. .And Benjamin Netanyahu rose to the occasion. In agreeing to serve as Prime Minister, Netanyahu repeated the theme he repeated many times since the election. Israel must unite to successfully meet the enormous challenges facing the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

After the official ceremony in the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) One Jerusalem participated in a small gathering of friends to salute the new Prime Minister and to discuss ways we can help Israel meet the challenge of a nuclear Iran. Netanyahu once again made it clear that Iran's death threats against Israel are being taken seriously and he is determined to work with the United States and all civilized people to bring this problem to a successful conclusion.

Iran is clearly problem number one for Israel and priority number one for Netanyahu.

One Jerusalem participated in a L'Chaim early this morning as we extended our best wishes the new Prime Minister and his new governemnt.