Jpost photographer scoops Netanyahu’s speech

Marc Israel Sellem’s photographs quickly went viral and were soon broadcast both on Channel 2 and Channel 10.

By DAVID BRINN
Updated: MARCH 13, 2018 02:28
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reads from a speech in Knesset March 12, 2018. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reads from a speech in Knesset March 12, 2018.
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
As MKs and citizens wondered if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in the Knesset on Monday afternoon was going to signal an end to his coalition, Jerusalem Post photographer Marc Israel Sellem provided everyone with the answer.
Sitting in the plenum before the speech, Sellem snapped a series of photos of Netanyahu at his Knesset seat, reading over the pages of his planned speech. One page (top) read: “In order to continue our great achievements, and to stand up to the great challenges before us, we need to continue together.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reads from his speech in the Knesset on March 12, 2018
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reads from his speech in the Knesset on March 12, 2018
Another page apparently mocked the opposition, saying: “You pulled your bill to disperse the Knesset! I don’t remember that ever happening. An opposition that wants the government to continue serving, because it’s afraid of an election.”
Sellem’s photographs quickly went viral, and were soon broadcast both on Channel 2 and Channel 10, ahead of Netanyahu’s speech, giving the country a sneak preview of the prime minister’s tactics.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reads from his speech in the Knesset on March 12, 2018
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reads from his speech in the Knesset on March 12, 2018
Zionist Union MK Yoel Hasson, speaking before Netanyahu, even made reference to Sellem’s photos in his remarks from the plenum.
For Sellem, it was all in a day’s work – which often means just being in the right place at the right time.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sits alone at the Knesset before his speech on March 12, 2018
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sits alone at the Knesset before his speech on March 12, 2018