Photo :President Herzog then welcomed new Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Michael Anthony Mann
_President Isaac Herzog receives new Ambassadors from Estonia, Latvia, the European Union, South Sudan, Zambia, and New Zealand_
President Isaac Herzog today, Tuesday, received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassadors to Israel from Estonia, Latvia, the European Union, South Sudan, Zambia, and New Zealand, in a series of formal ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Welcoming Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Michael Anthony Mann, President Herzog stressed the importance of deepening relations between Israel and the European Union, while warning against steps that could cause lasting damage.
President Herzog said:
“Ambassador, you are arriving at a turbulent time. We are extremely concerned about the onslaught of initiatives and statements, including those by senior European leaders such as President von der Leyen, which we believe misinterpret what Israel is doing, defending Europe. I hope Europe will be smart enough not to take steps that could be irreparable.”
The President notes, “I am a strong supporter and believe in the relations between Israel and Europe. Some in Israel see Europe as a lost cause, but I do not agree. I trust in your wisdom and your capabilities to help us overcome the current clashes and to move forward.”
He stressed, “Of course, everything depends on the situation on the ground: on our efforts to bring the hostages home, and on ending this war. We are eager to see it end, but it must end in a way that secures the return of our hostages and changes the reality on the ground so that Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, with Israel integrated fully into the region.”
On the issue of humanitarian aid in Gaza, the President said, “In my recent meetings in Britain, I emphasized that there is meticulous data from COGAT regarding humanitarian flows into Gaza. Too often, this data is ignored in favor of misleading or fabricated reports. We are open to any fact-finding mission, and I have already raised this with President von der Leyen. I repeat the invitation now: come, sit down with COGAT, examine the figures—on calories, food shipments, UN distribution routes, and more. We are adamant that there is no famine in Gaza. I urge Europe to look at the facts in a serious way, and not rely only on reports that misrepresent the reality.”
The President reiterated in each of his meetings today the supreme importance of securing the release of the hostages held in Gaza, emphasizing that their immediate and unconditional return is the key to ending the war and building a path towards peace.
Photo :President Herzog then welcomed new Ambassador of Estonia, Mr. Andres Vosman
Photo :President Herzog then welcomed new Ambassador of Latvia, Mr. Gints Serafinovics
Photo :President Herzog then welcomed new Ambassador of South Sudan, Mr. Mou Mou Ring
Photo :President Herzog then welcomed new Ambassador of Zambia, Mr. Wesley Mahuba Hazemba
Photo :President Herzog then welcomed new Ambassador of New Zealand, Mr. Greg Lewis.
Over the course of the ceremonies, President Herzog received the credentials of Ambassador of Estonia, Mr. Andres Vosman, and Ambassador of Latvia, Mr. Gints Serafinovics, Ambassador of South Sudan, Mr. Mou Mou Ring, Ambassador of Zambia, Mr. Wesley Mahuba Hazemba, and Ambassador of New Zealand, Mr. Greg Lewis.
Photos Kobi Gideon / GPO
