German, Czech and Slovak foreign ministers arrive in Israel in show of solidarity
After their solidarity visit to Israel earlier this week, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek, Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok and German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass visited the site of a building ravaged by Hamas rockets.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met this afternoon with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Israel for a one-day solidarity visit. The meeting took place at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv. During the meeting, Netanyahu showed Maas a piece of a drone shot down earlier this week near the border with Jordan. “While we were busy fighting, a few days ago, Iran sent an armed drone into Israel from Iraq or Syria. Iranian forces launched an armed drone, which our forces shot down at the border between Israel and Jordan. I think that says everything about the real patron of terror in the Middle East and the world — Iran,” said Netanyahu.
Maas arrived in Israel this morning and was greeted at the airport by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. Upon arrival, Maas tweeted, “As long as there are states and groups that threaten Israel with annihilation, it must be able to protect its citizens. Germany will continue to make contributions to ensure this. Our solidarity is not confined to words alone.” Maas also said Germany upholds “without ifs and buts our friendship with Israel, which has to defend itself against the rocket terror of Hamas."
Ashkenazi responded by saying, “I am grateful for Germany’s support since the beginning of the war, and for condemning Hamas’ terrorist activities.”
Ashkenazi brought Maas to visit the site of a building in the central town of Petah Tikvah, which was heavily struck by Hamas rockets. A senior Israel Defense Forces officer briefed Maas on the site, explaining the rocket threat Israel has faced in recent days.
