Response to recent events by the Embassy of Israel

Response to recent events by the Embassy of Israel

Press Release

Communicated by the Embassy of Israel in Wellington

On the 15th of May thousands of people gathered on the border between Syria and Israel in Majdal Shams on the Golan Heights. Some broke down the fence and penetrated the Israeli side. Similar attempts were also along Israel border with Gaza and Lebanon.

The IDF attempted to block this massive breach of the border with the utmost restraint but unfortunately and regrettably there were casualties.

Israel believes that this outburst of cross-border violence could not have taken place without the consent – or the active support – of the Syrian army, given its tight control of the border zone. This appears like an attempt by the Syrian regime to create a distraction from the violent crackdown it is currently carrying out throughout the country.

Also, the violent riots in South Lebanon, including attempts to run over the border fence were organized by Hezbollah, Iran's Lebanese proxy.

PM Netanyahu was quoted referring to the events: “It is important that we look at the reality of these events with open eyes and know with what we are dealing with. These events that are held on the day that marks the establishment of Israel, is not a protest against the 1967 borders, but a rejection of Israel’s basic right to exist”.

Israel believes in the right to demonstrate peacefully, whatever the object of the protest. However, violent rioting that endangers lives cannot be tolerated. Instead of promoting a positive agenda of their own, the Palestinians, the Syrians, the Hezbolah in Lebanon and the Hamas in Gaza display total negativism, relying on denial, exclusion and the rejection of Israel.

The obvious needs to be stated again: an end to the conflict can only be achieved through recognition, negotiation and compromises, and not through violence, riots and unilateral moves.

“We hope the calm and quiet will quickly return, but let nobody be misled: we are determined to defend our borders and our sovereignty!” PM Netanyahu states.

ENDS

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