President Zeman on state visit to Israel

President Miloš Zeman begins a state visit to Israel on Sunday. The Czech head of state is due to meet with Israeli counterpart Simon Perez and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu and is expected to deliver a keynote speech in Jerusalem. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr. Zeman said the Czech Republic was Israel’s strongest ally in the EU and suggested moving the Czech Republic’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The idea caused outrage among Palestinian leaders and evoked widespread criticism of the president on the home front. The Czech Foreign Ministry promptly issued a public statement reiterating its support for the Middle-East peace process.