PM Netanyahu:
“We've hit a terrorist cell and now we've also hit those who sent it. We will do what is necessary in order to defend ourselves. I suggest to all of them, including Hezbollah, to consider this.
These are not empty words; they have the weight of the State of Israel and the IDF behind them and this should be taken seriously.”
“We've hit a terrorist cell and now we've also hit those who sent it. We will do what is necessary in order to defend ourselves. I suggest to all of them, including Hezbollah, to consider this.
These are not empty words; they have the weight of the State of Israel and the IDF behind them and this should be taken seriously.”
At the direction of FM Ashkenazi & Defense Min. Gantz, Israel via security and international channels has offered humanitarian medical assistance to the government of Lebanon.
Israeli officials spoke with UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Mladenov in order to clarify how Israel can further assist Lebanon.
Israeli officials spoke with UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Mladenov in order to clarify how Israel can further assist Lebanon.
The significant collaboration & partnership between Israel and India in COVID-19 research, development & rapid testing have pushed forward progress in the fight against the virus.
Watch now:
Watch now:
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi:
“Resolution 1701 was designed to prevent Hezbollah and its Iranian masters from turning southern Lebanon into a hotbed of terrorism and homicidal capacities, serving as such to effectively prevent another military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.*
*Israel supports a mandate that strengthen UNIFIL’s ability to effectively carry out its mission; its mandate would be rendered worthless otherwise. Unfortunately, the reality in southern Lebanon is not depicted in the “Reports of the United Nations Secretary-General”.
This morning, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi hosted a political-security briefing along Israel’s northern border with the ambassadors of twelve member states of the Security Council, ahead of its deliberations later today on Resolution 1701. The Council is expected to discuss UNIFIL’s mandate, with the decision on its renewal would be taken by the end of August.
As part of the briefing, the ambassadors were briefed on security matters by Commanding Officer of the Galilee Division, Brig. Gen. Shlomi Binder.
Minister Ashkenazi discussed Hezbollah’s expansion in southern Lebanon with the ambassadors, as well as the terror group’s attempts to develop its precision missile capabilities.
“Israel cannot remain indifferent while Hezbollah continuously attempts to breach Israel’s sovereignty and harm its citizens. Hezbollah operates out of densely populated urban areas and uses Lebanese citizens as a human shield. We all witnessed this in last week’s tragic event, in which innocent Lebanese civilians were killed, and thousands more injured.
Israel offered the Lebanese government humanitarian aid, and is prepared to transfer equipment and receive injured civilians.
The political instability within Lebanon has allowed Hezbollah to essentially take over the entire country politically, militarily, and economically, all at Iran’s command. Iran has taken Lebanon hostage through Hezbollah”.
The Foreign Minister further briefed the ambassadors on the American proposal to extend the arms embargo on Iran, stating:
“Israel absolutely supports the extension of the arms embargo on Iran. This is an imperative step in light of Iran’s aggression across the Middle East, its support of terrorism, and the threat it poses to regional stability. Arming Iran will threaten the stability of the Middle East, and we must all cooperate towards preventing this prospect. Containing the Iranian regime’s belligerence is not just in the interest of Israel, or of countries in the Middle East. It is an interest and moral obligation of all countries the world over. Weakening pressure on Iran now will only lead to failure, and this kind of policy approach has already proven so in the past. We expect the Security Council’s member states to support the American proposal to extend the embargo. Any position otherwise will only serve to increase the aggression of Iran and its proxies”.
Present at the briefing were ambassadors and deputy ambassadors from the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China, Germany, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic.
“Resolution 1701 was designed to prevent Hezbollah and its Iranian masters from turning southern Lebanon into a hotbed of terrorism and homicidal capacities, serving as such to effectively prevent another military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.*
*Israel supports a mandate that strengthen UNIFIL’s ability to effectively carry out its mission; its mandate would be rendered worthless otherwise. Unfortunately, the reality in southern Lebanon is not depicted in the “Reports of the United Nations Secretary-General”.
This morning, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi hosted a political-security briefing along Israel’s northern border with the ambassadors of twelve member states of the Security Council, ahead of its deliberations later today on Resolution 1701. The Council is expected to discuss UNIFIL’s mandate, with the decision on its renewal would be taken by the end of August.
As part of the briefing, the ambassadors were briefed on security matters by Commanding Officer of the Galilee Division, Brig. Gen. Shlomi Binder.
Minister Ashkenazi discussed Hezbollah’s expansion in southern Lebanon with the ambassadors, as well as the terror group’s attempts to develop its precision missile capabilities.
“Israel cannot remain indifferent while Hezbollah continuously attempts to breach Israel’s sovereignty and harm its citizens. Hezbollah operates out of densely populated urban areas and uses Lebanese citizens as a human shield. We all witnessed this in last week’s tragic event, in which innocent Lebanese civilians were killed, and thousands more injured.
Israel offered the Lebanese government humanitarian aid, and is prepared to transfer equipment and receive injured civilians.
The political instability within Lebanon has allowed Hezbollah to essentially take over the entire country politically, militarily, and economically, all at Iran’s command. Iran has taken Lebanon hostage through Hezbollah”.
The Foreign Minister further briefed the ambassadors on the American proposal to extend the arms embargo on Iran, stating:
“Israel absolutely supports the extension of the arms embargo on Iran. This is an imperative step in light of Iran’s aggression across the Middle East, its support of terrorism, and the threat it poses to regional stability. Arming Iran will threaten the stability of the Middle East, and we must all cooperate towards preventing this prospect. Containing the Iranian regime’s belligerence is not just in the interest of Israel, or of countries in the Middle East. It is an interest and moral obligation of all countries the world over. Weakening pressure on Iran now will only lead to failure, and this kind of policy approach has already proven so in the past. We expect the Security Council’s member states to support the American proposal to extend the embargo. Any position otherwise will only serve to increase the aggression of Iran and its proxies”.
Present at the briefing were ambassadors and deputy ambassadors from the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China, Germany, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi today spoke with his colleague from the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. They decided to establish a direct line of communication in advance of the normalization agreement between the countries and agreed to meet soon.
The announcement by the Foreign Ministry of the UAE following the conversation between the Ministers announced the establishment of direct phone lines between the countries.
The announcement by the Foreign Ministry of the UAE following the conversation between the Ministers announced the establishment of direct phone lines between the countries.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi:
Earlier today I spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Yosef bin Alawi bin Abdullah.
We spoke about recent developments in the region, the normalization agreement with the United Arab Emirates and the need to strengthen relations between Israel and Oman.
The Omani Foreign Minister emphasized the strong stance of the Sultan and his supports achieving of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East as well as the need to resume peace negotiations.
I expressed my deep appreciation for the commitment of Oman and Foreign Minister bin Ali to peace and stability in the Middle East.
We agreed to maintain direct and continual contact and to continue the important dialogue between our two countries to advance the process of normalization in the Middle East.
This conversation is the continuation of a conversation I had yesterday with my counterpart from the UAE, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ben Zayed.
Earlier today I spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Yosef bin Alawi bin Abdullah.
We spoke about recent developments in the region, the normalization agreement with the United Arab Emirates and the need to strengthen relations between Israel and Oman.
The Omani Foreign Minister emphasized the strong stance of the Sultan and his supports achieving of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East as well as the need to resume peace negotiations.
I expressed my deep appreciation for the commitment of Oman and Foreign Minister bin Ali to peace and stability in the Middle East.
We agreed to maintain direct and continual contact and to continue the important dialogue between our two countries to advance the process of normalization in the Middle East.
This conversation is the continuation of a conversation I had yesterday with my counterpart from the UAE, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ben Zayed.
MFA Spokesperson's statement on the ruling by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
The ruling issued today by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, assigned to investigate the murder of PM Hariri, was very clear in stating that terrorist organization Hezbollah and its operatives were involved in both the murder and the tampering of the investigation that followed.
Hezbollah has taken the Lebanese people's future hostage on behalf of foreign interests. The world must unite against this terror organization in order to help Lebanon set itself free of the threat that Hezbollah poses. Hezbollah's armament, precision guided missile project, and belligerent actions across the region threaten the entire Middle East.
The ruling issued today by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, assigned to investigate the murder of PM Hariri, was very clear in stating that terrorist organization Hezbollah and its operatives were involved in both the murder and the tampering of the investigation that followed.
Hezbollah has taken the Lebanese people's future hostage on behalf of foreign interests. The world must unite against this terror organization in order to help Lebanon set itself free of the threat that Hezbollah poses. Hezbollah's armament, precision guided missile project, and belligerent actions across the region threaten the entire Middle East.
For the first time Israeli fighter jets are flying in a joint exercise with the Luftwaffe in Germany.
Yesterday, an Israeli-German formation of aircraft flew over the Fürstenfeldbruck air base, in order to commemorate the 1972 Israeli Olympic athletes.
The formation continued then flew close to Dachau concentration camp where tens of thousands Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.
Israeli Ambassador to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff, German Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp Karrenbauer, the commander of the Luftwaffe, the commander of the Osraeli Air Force and other dignitaries participated in a ceremony held in Dachau in memory of the victims.
Yesterday, an Israeli-German formation of aircraft flew over the Fürstenfeldbruck air base, in order to commemorate the 1972 Israeli Olympic athletes.
The formation continued then flew close to Dachau concentration camp where tens of thousands Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.
Israeli Ambassador to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff, German Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp Karrenbauer, the commander of the Luftwaffe, the commander of the Osraeli Air Force and other dignitaries participated in a ceremony held in Dachau in memory of the victims.
Israel welcomes the American decision to call on the UNSC to operate the “SnapBack” mechanism that re-imposes sanctions on Iran. This is an important and necessary step following the Security Council’s failure last week to extend the arms embargo on Iran.
Foreign Minister Ashkenazi said, “The United States, and President Trump, have shown the leadership and responsibility to restore security and stability in the face of the greatest threat posed - Iran and its nuclear and regional aspirations.
The US has the gratitude and appreciation of the State of Israel, and we are also sure, of its partners and allies in the Middle East.
This is an important and courageous decision by the US administration aimed at restoring law and order to the international system after Iran's repeated violations of the agreements it signed, which are reflected, among other things, in the arming of terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East.
Iran's violations began on the day that UN Resolution 2231 was adopted and have continued unabated until today.
We call on the international community to support the American initiative and thus restore the stability of the international system that rests on full compliance with UN Security Council resolutions."
Foreign Minister Ashkenazi said, “The United States, and President Trump, have shown the leadership and responsibility to restore security and stability in the face of the greatest threat posed - Iran and its nuclear and regional aspirations.
The US has the gratitude and appreciation of the State of Israel, and we are also sure, of its partners and allies in the Middle East.
This is an important and courageous decision by the US administration aimed at restoring law and order to the international system after Iran's repeated violations of the agreements it signed, which are reflected, among other things, in the arming of terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East.
Iran's violations began on the day that UN Resolution 2231 was adopted and have continued unabated until today.
We call on the international community to support the American initiative and thus restore the stability of the international system that rests on full compliance with UN Security Council resolutions."
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi hosted British Foreign Secretary Dominic Rab and his staff in Jerusalem. During the meeting, the two discussed bilateral issues, including trade ties following Britain's exit from the EU. They also discussed regional issues including the Iranian threat, the situation in Lebanon including the entrenchment and increasing power of Hezbollah and the normalization agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
FM Ashkenazi:
"We were disappointed to see the E3 countries' vote not to extend the arms embargo on Iran in the UN Security Council. The global effort to stop Iranian aggression should be reflected in actions and not just in words. I call on all countries to join the United States in demanding that the sanctions mechanism be re-imposed on Iran.
"Iran poses a threat to stability and peace in the Middle East and around the world and the lifting of the arms embargo will lead to Iran accelerating its re-armament. We were disappointed to see the E3 vote against extending the arms embargo on Iran in the UN Security Council. The E3 countries need to understand that regional stability and stopping Iranian armament is a global interest. The global effort to stop aggression needs to be seen in actions and not just words. There is still time to change direction."
Foreign Minister Ashkenazi added: "The historic agreement with the United Arab Emirates is prof that we are able to achieve peace through direct negotiations between countries. We hope that more countries in the Middle East will join the process."
Minister Ashkenazi thanked his British counterpart for the decision of the British government to declare Hezbollah a terrorist organization and he called on Britain to support the Israeli position that UNIFIL should be able to carry out its mandate in Lebanon and to prevent the strengthening of Hezbollah.
FM Ashkenazi:
"We were disappointed to see the E3 countries' vote not to extend the arms embargo on Iran in the UN Security Council. The global effort to stop Iranian aggression should be reflected in actions and not just in words. I call on all countries to join the United States in demanding that the sanctions mechanism be re-imposed on Iran.
"Iran poses a threat to stability and peace in the Middle East and around the world and the lifting of the arms embargo will lead to Iran accelerating its re-armament. We were disappointed to see the E3 vote against extending the arms embargo on Iran in the UN Security Council. The E3 countries need to understand that regional stability and stopping Iranian armament is a global interest. The global effort to stop aggression needs to be seen in actions and not just words. There is still time to change direction."
Foreign Minister Ashkenazi added: "The historic agreement with the United Arab Emirates is prof that we are able to achieve peace through direct negotiations between countries. We hope that more countries in the Middle East will join the process."
Minister Ashkenazi thanked his British counterpart for the decision of the British government to declare Hezbollah a terrorist organization and he called on Britain to support the Israeli position that UNIFIL should be able to carry out its mandate in Lebanon and to prevent the strengthening of Hezbollah.
Greece agrees to double the number of Israeli tourists permitted to visit the country!
Following the efforts of Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabi Ashkenazi with his Greek counterpart to permit up to 600 tourists per week from Israel to a limited number of destinations in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Israeli embassy in Athens, headed by Ambassador Yossi Amrani, has managed to update the existing outline in a manner that allows the doubling of Israeli tourists to Greece.
The number of permitted visits by Israelis to Greece now stands at 1200 tourists per week. Travel restrictions within the country have also been lifted. The new outline is expected to be in force for two weeks, from 1 September to 15 September 2020.
This undertaking by the Israeli Embassy in Greece is part of a wide range of MFA activities aimed at opening the skies and providing a wider range of tourism and vacation options for Israeli citizens.
Following the efforts of Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabi Ashkenazi with his Greek counterpart to permit up to 600 tourists per week from Israel to a limited number of destinations in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Israeli embassy in Athens, headed by Ambassador Yossi Amrani, has managed to update the existing outline in a manner that allows the doubling of Israeli tourists to Greece.
The number of permitted visits by Israelis to Greece now stands at 1200 tourists per week. Travel restrictions within the country have also been lifted. The new outline is expected to be in force for two weeks, from 1 September to 15 September 2020.
This undertaking by the Israeli Embassy in Greece is part of a wide range of MFA activities aimed at opening the skies and providing a wider range of tourism and vacation options for Israeli citizens.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi is in a special visit to Germany 🇮🇱🤝🇩🇪
🔴 FM Ashkenazi began his official visit meeting with German President Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace Schloss Bellevue.
FM Ashkenazi thanked the President for his long-standing friendship and courageous support of Israel.
🔴 FM Ashkenazi expressed Israel's gratitude to Germany for outlawing the entire Hezbollah organization (and not only the military part), and called on Germany to join and support the joint global effort against the Iranian threat and the restoration of the arms embargo on Iran.
🔴 Then, for the first time, FM Ashkenazi took part in the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich) in Berlin.
🔴 The Minister also met with his counterpaert, German FM Heiko Maas. The two spoke about future collaboration between Israel and Germany in the fields of trade, economics, medicine, research and security.
🔴 Right after landing, FM Ashkenazi went to Platform 17 at the Berlin-Grunewald station, the principal location for deporting Berlin Jews to their death during the Holocaust.
Together with Israeli Ambassador to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff, the two lit candles and left flowers in memory of the victims.
🔴 FM Ashkenazi began his official visit meeting with German President Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace Schloss Bellevue.
FM Ashkenazi thanked the President for his long-standing friendship and courageous support of Israel.
🔴 FM Ashkenazi expressed Israel's gratitude to Germany for outlawing the entire Hezbollah organization (and not only the military part), and called on Germany to join and support the joint global effort against the Iranian threat and the restoration of the arms embargo on Iran.
🔴 Then, for the first time, FM Ashkenazi took part in the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich) in Berlin.
🔴 The Minister also met with his counterpaert, German FM Heiko Maas. The two spoke about future collaboration between Israel and Germany in the fields of trade, economics, medicine, research and security.
🔴 Right after landing, FM Ashkenazi went to Platform 17 at the Berlin-Grunewald station, the principal location for deporting Berlin Jews to their death during the Holocaust.
Together with Israeli Ambassador to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff, the two lit candles and left flowers in memory of the victims.