Brave Or Dumb? Netanyahu Lobs Unusual Ultimatum At German Foreign Minister

Unusual ultimatum: A political storm erupted in Israel yesterday evening after a report by Israel’s ‘channel 2’ (Arutz 2) that prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu levied an unusual ultimatum at German foreign minister Zigmer Gabriel who is currently visiting Israel.

According to the report on ‘Channel 2’, Netanyahu passed on a message to the German foreign minister that he is not fond of his plans to meet with the heads of extreme left wing organizations. Netanyahu then levied an ultimatum: “Either you meet with me, or with the left-wing organization”.

The report stated that a high-ranking government official commented that, “Israel has a clear policy about those who defame her, despite the close relationship with Germany, it (Israel) will prevent every meeting between official foreign diplomats and these kind of organizations”.

Immediately following the report, head of the opposition MK Yitzchak Herzog accused Netanyahu of sabotaging Israel’s good relationship with Germany: “Netanyahu is harming Israel’s good relationship with the largest economy in Europe and a true friend of Israel” said Herzog. “Instead of running away from the campaign, I call on Netanyahu to meet with the German foreign minister and to present his position and Israel’s position, without any concern from these organizations”.

Herzog further stated that “tomorrow (Tuesday) I will be meeting with the German foreign minister, a true friend of Israel, and I will display Israel’s position for the sake of strengthening the relationship, and Israel’s good name in the world”.

Head of ‘Yesh Atid’ MK Yair Lapid, who’s party significantly climbed according to a recent poll, tweeted: “Netanyahu does not need to cancel his meeting with the German foreign minister, but he is completely right!

If he would meet with radical left wing organizations in Germany, Merkel would be no less upset”.

Support for Netanyahu’s decision was also forthcoming from chairman of the Knesset committee Yoav Kish wo said, “I applaud the prime minister on his message to the German foreign minister.

Any leader that wishes to meet with those that spread poison against Israel has to understand that legitimizing hatred of Israel is out of the question”.

It’s well know that Germany indirectly funds various radical left wing organizations in Israel who cause tremendous damage to Israel on the home front and on the international arena as well.

Translated by Eli B.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!