Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ meeting with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met today with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his dismay and anguish at the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with International Law.

He reiterated the need to protect civilians, to free Israelis held hostage by Hamas and to avoid a humanitarian crisis.

The Prime Minister’s dialogue with Mr Netanyahu at the beginning of their meeting follows:

Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister, my good friend, Kyriakos, it’s very good to see you here. I always say that the best thing above standing with Israel is standing in Israel. In Israel, and you’re doing that. I appreciate the solidarity of you, your government, the people of Greece, at this darkest hour. It’s a battle against civilization. It’s civilization against barbarism. We’re on the side of civilization, and we have to unite all together against Hamas, which is ISIS.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Thank you. Thank you so much, Prime Minister, dear Bibi. I come here not just as an ally, but as a true friend. What happened was truly horrible. Greece, from the very first moment, defended and supported the right of Israel to defend itself in line with International Law. We drew a very clear distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people. We will continue to be able to support you and to hope that whatever happens, happens without too much of a humanitarian cost. But you can count on our support, on our help.

Benjamin Netanyahu: Thank you, friend. Thank you.