Hosting diplomats for Rosh Hashanah toast, Rivlin protests Iran’s new legitimacy
'It cannot be that with one flick of a pen, Iran becomes a member of the club,' president tells guests representing over 100 countries
President Reuven Rivlin on Monday hosted dozen of foreign ambassadors and other diplomats based in Israel for a reception at the President’s Residence in honor of the upcoming Jewish New Year, the holiday of Rosh Hashanah.
Rivlin emphasized to his guests, who represented over 100 countries, that Israel seeks to achieve peace with its neighbors, and expressed concern over Iran’s destabilizing regional influence.
“The State of Israel was not established to be an island in a hostile sea,” the president said. “As set out in the Declaration of Independence, Israel strives for good relations with our neighbors and peace in the region.”
“Our treaties, with Egypt and Jordan, stand as witness to this strong desire and show our willingness to make painful compromises, if there is a real chance for peace and security, and I believe there is a real chance for peace and security.”
“Iran continues to threaten stability in the region and around the world. Its backing of terror, in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, makes Iran’s nuclear ambitions truly terrifying — not just for Israel, but for all.
“It cannot be that with one flick of a pen, Iran becomes a member of the club, and instead the world turns to single out the victim of Iran’s aggression. It cannot be that in one moment of diplomacy the reality is changed so completely. We know too well that real political change requires education, confidence building, and dialogue. None of which can happen overnight.”
The president and his wife, Nechama, went on to raise a toast to their guests and to the New Year in the presidential garden.