Israeli FM: Czechia remains an important ally in Europe
There was a small but vocal pro-Palestinian demonstration welcoming the chief of Israeli diplomacy Gideon Saar in Hradčany today. However, the voices of the 15 to 20 protesters did not reach the inner rooms of the Černín Palace, the seat of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On his first official visit to Prague, Gideon Saar emphasized the historical dimension of Czech-Israeli relations:
"I’m happy to be here in Prague, in this beautiful city, on my first working visit as Foreign Minister of Israel. Czechia is a real friend of Israel, not only in recent times but since the establishment of our state. It helped us during the very first difficult days when we fought for our independence and continues to do so today."
"I came to promote bilateral relations between our two countries and nations. The bilateral relations are very good. Mutual trade is growing, and we will do our utmost to ensure that this continues."
On his part, Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský reaffirmed Czechia’s support for Israel since the fateful events of October 2023:
“It has been over a year since Hamas terrorists carried out their barbaric attack on Israeli civilians. Israel continues to fight on multiple fronts and, more than ever, needs the support of its allies. Czechia has firmly stood by Israel, both before and after October 7, 2023. We have consistently emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. As we speak today, approximately 100 Israeli civilians remain in Hamas captivity. The immediate release of these hostages has always been a key priority for Czechia in any vote on resolutions.”
Lipavský further added:
“I would also like to highlight Czechia’s support for the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, which enables residents of northern Israel and southern Lebanon to return to their homes. This agreement brings hope for de-escalation in the region.
"However, lasting and long-term solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict require direct negotiations between Israel and the legitimate political representation of the Palestinian people. Ultimately, the goal should be to pave the way for a two-state solution. Any unilateral actions in this regard are counterproductive.”
When asked when Israel might cease military actions in Gaza, Gideon Saar reiterated:
“We have three objectives: to bring back to their homes the 101 citizens kidnapped barbarically by Hamas on October 7; to dismantle Hamas’s military and governmental infrastructure completely; and to remove the threat from the Gaza Strip to the security of Israel’s citizens. As much as Europe could not compromise with the Nazi regime in Germany, we will not compromise with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.”
The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that his government will appeal the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas commander, Mohammed Deif. As Jan Lipavský indicated, Czechia’s position on this legal matter will need to be carefully considered:
“I learned about the appeal during our meeting, so we need to look into it. At this moment, I cannot say what options a member state of the Rome Statute or a member of the Security Council has in this situation. However, it is well known that Czechia has historically clarified its position on such matters through amicus curiae submissions. I cannot rule out that, if a procedural opportunity arises, we might engage in some way. But at this moment, I cannot confirm anything.”
