Israel tells EU official that recognizing Palestinian state is ‘abandoning the hostages’

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Foreign Minister Israel Katz (right) and Hungarian diplomat Olivér Várhelyi meet in Jerusalem on May 28, 2024. (Lior Mizrahi/GPO)
Foreign Minister Israel Katz (right) and Hungarian diplomat Olivér Várhelyi meet in Jerusalem on May 28, 2024. (Lior Mizrahi/GPO)

Foreign Minister Israel Katz tells the European Union commissioner for neighborhood and enlargement that recognizing a Palestinian state is tantamount to “abandoning the hostages.”

“Spain, Norway, and Ireland chose to cooperate with the Nukhba terrorists and to feed the terror monster,” Katz tells Hungarian diplomat Olivér Várhelyi, referring to Hamas forces.

Várhelyi says that he will never support a ceasefire in Gaza that does not include the unconditional release of the hostages, and that Hamas must not remain in Gaza. If Hamas escapes punishment, says Várhelyi, October 7 could happen anywhere, to anyone.

The Hungarian says he will work with Israel to expand EU sanctions against Iran’s missile, drone, and nuclear projects.

The two diplomats also meet with the families of Gadi Moshe Mozes, 79, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 22, kidnapped from the Supernova rave.

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