German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas lands at Ben Gurion Airport where he is greeted by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.
Ashkenazi thanks his German counterpart for arriving on a “solidarity visit” and expresses gratitude to Germany’s government for its support of Israel throughout the conflict and for condemning Hamas terror, as well as for emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself.
Ashkenazi accuses Hamas of firing missiles in a “brutal attempt” to strengthen its political standing and to take over the Palestinian Authority.
The foreign ministers of the Czech Republic and Slovakia are also expected in Israel this morning as part of a delegation of envoys.
The ministers will visit a site hit by Hamas rocket fire and receive a briefing from a security official.
Later in the day, the foreign ministers are expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, May 20, 2021
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