Greek PM to Netanyahu: We will continue to support you

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who today made the trip to Israel, which he had postponed the previous week for security reasons, had a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday morning.

During the meeting, which took place in Jerusalem, the Prime Minister expressed his disgust and pain at the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined Israel’s right to self-defense according to International Law.

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

The dialogue between Mitsotakis and Netanyahu

Here is the Prime Minister’s dialogue with Mr. Netanyahu at the start of their meeting:

Benjamin Netanyahu: Mr. Prime Minister, my dear friend Kyriakos, I am very glad to see you here. I always say that the best thing besides standing with Israel, is being in Israel. In Israel, as you are. I appreciate your solidarity, of your government 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).

“We made a very clear distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people”

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, dear Bibi. I come here not only as an ally, but as a true friend. What happened was truly horrific. 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.

Benjamin Netanyahu: Thank you, my friend. Thank you.

See photos from the meeting

Snapshot from the Mitsotakis – Netanyahu meeting in Jerusalem

The Prime Minister was accompanied to Israel by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, as well as the Minister of State, Stavros Papastavrou.

From the meeting between Mitsotakis and Netanyahu and the delegations of the two countries

From the meeting between Mitsotakis and Netanyahu and the delegations of the two countries

Snapshot from Mitsotakis’ visit to Israel and the meeting with Netanyahu