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Live UpdateFrom the Liveblog of Thursday, May 20, 2021
Germany’s Maas visits rocket-hit building, emphasizes Israel’s right to defend itself
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visits a building in Petah Tikva hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, May 20, 2021 (Miri Shimonovitch)
Shortly after landing in Israel, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas receives a security briefing in Petah Tikva from Gen. Ori Gordin, head of the IDF Home Front Command.
Maas also visits a building in the city hit by a rocket fired from Gaza.
The German envoy says his visit was meant to show solidarity with Israel, and emphasizes Israel’s right to defend itself.
He also says Germany supports efforts to reach a ceasefire.
The Czech and Slovakian foreign ministers are expected to land at midday.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (C) receives a security briefing in Petah Tikva from Gen. Ori Gordin (L), head of the IDF Home Front Command, along with Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi (R). (Foreign Ministry)
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