(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon (Thursday), 14 May 2009, in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, met with Pope Benedict XVI.

Prime Minister Netanyahu asked the Pontiff to take action and make his voice heard, in a clear and unequivocal fashion, against anti-Semitism in the world, and emphasized the Iranian President's anti-Semitic policy, as well as his call for the destruction of the State of Israel.

The two leaders discussed their desire to advance both the diplomatic relations between Israel and the Vatican and the dialogue and understanding between Judaism and Christianity.

The meeting was characterized by a good atmosphere and continued longer than planned.