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.
Tomorrow, the first Israeli flight to the UAE will depart from Ben Gurion Airport carrying an Israeli delegation and the hope of peace and cooperation with our Emirati neighbors.
📸El Al Airlines
📸El Al Airlines
Preliminary discussions between Israel and the UAE on the mutual opening of embassies
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General Alon Ushpiz led the first meeting on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE with teams from the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
The parties discussed the possibility of the mutual opening of embassies and the signing of bilateral agreements aimed at promoting the relationship between the countries.
The UAE team is led by the director-general of the UAE foreign ministry, and the American team is led by the US ambassador to the UAE.
Israel MFA Dir-Gen Alon Ushpiz: “We are at the beginning of a historic process, and intend to promote the establishment of full diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies in both countries as swiftly as possible, and to work towards strengthening bilateral cooperation. The passage of people, goods and capital between the countries is key to realizing the relationship’s potential.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General Alon Ushpiz led the first meeting on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE with teams from the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
The parties discussed the possibility of the mutual opening of embassies and the signing of bilateral agreements aimed at promoting the relationship between the countries.
The UAE team is led by the director-general of the UAE foreign ministry, and the American team is led by the US ambassador to the UAE.
Israel MFA Dir-Gen Alon Ushpiz: “We are at the beginning of a historic process, and intend to promote the establishment of full diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies in both countries as swiftly as possible, and to work towards strengthening bilateral cooperation. The passage of people, goods and capital between the countries is key to realizing the relationship’s potential.”
🇮🇱🤝🇷🇴
The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs was welcomed yesterday in Jerusalem.
During his visit, the Romanian FM met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two discussed further strengthening the great relations between #Israel and #Romania, the upcoming #G2G meeting , and other regional developments.
FM Bogdan also visited Israel's MFA, where he met with his #Israeli Israeli counterpart FM Gabi Ashkenazi. The latter concluded:
"I am pleased we had the opportunity to discuss deepening our relations and to also sign a joint agreement in the fields of education, sport, medicine, research, agriculture and culture".
The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs was welcomed yesterday in Jerusalem.
During his visit, the Romanian FM met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two discussed further strengthening the great relations between #Israel and #Romania, the upcoming #G2G meeting , and other regional developments.
FM Bogdan also visited Israel's MFA, where he met with his #Israeli Israeli counterpart FM Gabi Ashkenazi. The latter concluded:
"I am pleased we had the opportunity to discuss deepening our relations and to also sign a joint agreement in the fields of education, sport, medicine, research, agriculture and culture".
Starting off the week with promising news.
Israel and Kosovo have agreed to establish diplomatic ties. Following this decision Kosovo has announced it will open it's embassy in Jerusalem and the Serbian government has decided to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem.
Isreali Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi:
"I welcome the decisions by Serbia to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem & of Kosovo to recognize Israel & open an embassy in Jerusalem. These are important steps that reflect relations between Israel & Serbia & will lead to the strengthening of friendship between the countries.
I thank President Trump & the US admin for their leadership & for leading significant diplomatic breakthroughs, both in our relations with Serbia & Kosovo, and the historic agreement between Israel & the UAE.
Israel has no more important ally & no greater friend, than America".
Israel and Kosovo have agreed to establish diplomatic ties. Following this decision Kosovo has announced it will open it's embassy in Jerusalem and the Serbian government has decided to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem.
Isreali Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi:
"I welcome the decisions by Serbia to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem & of Kosovo to recognize Israel & open an embassy in Jerusalem. These are important steps that reflect relations between Israel & Serbia & will lead to the strengthening of friendship between the countries.
I thank President Trump & the US admin for their leadership & for leading significant diplomatic breakthroughs, both in our relations with Serbia & Kosovo, and the historic agreement between Israel & the UAE.
Israel has no more important ally & no greater friend, than America".
🇹🇩🤝🇮🇱
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi met yesterday with Chad’s cabinet chairman, Abdelkerim Déby, and the head of Chad’s intelligence services, Ahmed Kougry.
FM Ashkenazi:
"I welcome Chad's decision to strengthen diplomatic relations with Israel which will lead to diplomatic relations with other countries in Africa.
We are committed to the process and the MFA is ready to immediately promote cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and water.”
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi met yesterday with Chad’s cabinet chairman, Abdelkerim Déby, and the head of Chad’s intelligence services, Ahmed Kougry.
FM Ashkenazi:
"I welcome Chad's decision to strengthen diplomatic relations with Israel which will lead to diplomatic relations with other countries in Africa.
We are committed to the process and the MFA is ready to immediately promote cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and water.”
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi:
President Trump's announcement on the intention to establish full diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain represents another meaningful landmark in the effort to foster normalization between Israel and nations of the region.
I thank the Bahraini people and their leadership and eagerly look forward to continuing to work together. The relations between the two nations are strategically and economically significant, and I am sure that we can continue combining our efforts to preserve regional stability and achieve accomplishments for both of our countries and for the welfare of our citizens. They are the ones who must be at the center of our efforts.
I would like to thank President Trump and his government for the unwavering efforts that have led to this achievement. Thanks to the involvement of the American government, we are able to bring about dramatic and strategic changes in the region, and for that, the Israeli people say thank you.
This is also an opportunity to thank the staff of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs who have worked quietly over many years, with wisdom and professionalism, to advance relations with the Gulf nations. We will continue working with dedication to bring about the creation of warm diplomatic ties between other countries and Israel.
President Trump's announcement on the intention to establish full diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain represents another meaningful landmark in the effort to foster normalization between Israel and nations of the region.
I thank the Bahraini people and their leadership and eagerly look forward to continuing to work together. The relations between the two nations are strategically and economically significant, and I am sure that we can continue combining our efforts to preserve regional stability and achieve accomplishments for both of our countries and for the welfare of our citizens. They are the ones who must be at the center of our efforts.
I would like to thank President Trump and his government for the unwavering efforts that have led to this achievement. Thanks to the involvement of the American government, we are able to bring about dramatic and strategic changes in the region, and for that, the Israeli people say thank you.
This is also an opportunity to thank the staff of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs who have worked quietly over many years, with wisdom and professionalism, to advance relations with the Gulf nations. We will continue working with dedication to bring about the creation of warm diplomatic ties between other countries and Israel.
Curious to know what is included in the Abraham Accord?
✔Establishment of peace, diplomatic relations & normalization.
✔Recognition & respect of each party's sovereignty & right to live in peace and security.
✔Establishment of embassies & exchanging of resident ambassadors.
✔Cooperation & coordination in the spheres of peace & stability, including taking steps to fight terrorist and hostile activities.
✔Cooperation in the spheres of: civil aviation, consular services, energy, innovation, water, science, finance, tourism, etc.
✔Establishment of a High-Level Joint Forum for Peace & Co-Existence dedicated to advancing mutual understanding, in the spirit of our ancestor, Abraham.
✔Development and launching of a "Strategic Agenda for the Middle East".
May peace be upon us all.
📷 credit: Avi Ohayon, @gpoisrael
✔Establishment of peace, diplomatic relations & normalization.
✔Recognition & respect of each party's sovereignty & right to live in peace and security.
✔Establishment of embassies & exchanging of resident ambassadors.
✔Cooperation & coordination in the spheres of peace & stability, including taking steps to fight terrorist and hostile activities.
✔Cooperation in the spheres of: civil aviation, consular services, energy, innovation, water, science, finance, tourism, etc.
✔Establishment of a High-Level Joint Forum for Peace & Co-Existence dedicated to advancing mutual understanding, in the spirit of our ancestor, Abraham.
✔Development and launching of a "Strategic Agenda for the Middle East".
May peace be upon us all.
📷 credit: Avi Ohayon, @gpoisrael