PM repeats unwavering support for Israel
Mitsotakis meets Netanyahu in Jerusalem not just ‘as an ally, but as a true friend’
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s support to Israel’s right to self-defense while urging restraint during its operations in the Gaza Strip during a short trip to Jerusalem, where he met on Monday morning with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I come here not only as an ally, but as a true friend. What happened was truly horrific,” Mitsotakis said, while pledging Greece’s support.
“From the first moment, Greece defended and supported Israel’s right to self-defense, according to international law. We made a very clear distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people. We will continue to support you and hope that whatever happens must happen without great humanitarian cost. You can count on our support, our help,” he added.
Mitsotakis’ visit came a few days late and was reportedly intended, among other things, to clear up any confusion about Greece’s unwavering support for Israel at all levels.
The meeting held in Jerusalem was attended on the Greek side by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, State Minister Stavros Papastavrou, the director of the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Office, Anna-Maria Boura, and the Greek ambassador to Israel, Kyriakos Loukakis.
Although no details of what was discussed at the meeting were disclosed, the Greek delegation was reportedly briefed by Israelis on the current situation on the ground, where some ground infiltration operations have already begun in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu warmly welcomed Mitsotakis, conveying his appreciation for the solidarity demonstrated by Greece and the Greek people “in this dark hour.”
“It is a battle of civilization against barbarism. We are on the side of civilization and we must all unite against Hamas, which is the Islamic State [ISIS],” he said, while calling the Greek PM, “my good friend Kyriakos.”
“I am very happy to see you here. I always say that the best thing besides standing on Israel’s side is to be in Israel. In Israel, as you are doing,” he stressed.
Mitsotakis also met with relatives of persons kidnapped by Hamas two weeks ago.
Shortly before leaving Tel Aviv for Athens, the prime minister had a brief telephone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, to whom he reiterated Athens’ solidarity and support in the current situation.
