(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Following is a statement that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued late Friday afternoon (7 September 2012):
"I would like to commend Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for taking a step that showed leadership and daring and which sends a clear message to Iran and the entire world.
One week after the display of anti-Semitism and hatred in Tehran, the government of Canada is taking a moral step of the highest order. Canada's determination is very important in order for the Iranians to understand that they cannot continue their race after nuclear weapons. This practical measure needs to serve as an example of international responsibility for the global community. It is important that the international community join in this pressure by setting Iran clear red lines."
(Communicated by the Foreign Minister’s Bureau)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman today (9 September 2012) praised the decision of the Government of Canada to sever diplomatic relations with Iran, stating that with this act Canada has also demonstrated the firm resolve necessary when dealing with the dangerous regime in Teheran. The Foreign Minister added: “I hope that the whole international community will demonstrate similar determination and courage.”
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson) The President of the State of Israel, President Shimon Peres, who is currently at an economic and foreign policy forum in Italy, released a special statement following the decision by Canada to cut off diplomatic relations with Iran.
In the statement President Peres congratulated Canada and said: "Canada has proven once again that morals come before pragmatism, Canada has demonstrated that policy must reflect principles and values. I thank my colleague Governor General David Johnston, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the whole nation of Canada for taking a stance based on the highest morals and hope that other nations will see Canada as a moral role model. The diplomatic isolation of Iran is an important step for the security and stability of the entire world."
President Peres emphasized: "It is inconceivable that a UN member state will threaten to destroy another member state, it completely contradicts the UN charter. Other member states must stand against it. Iran is a source of global terror, a blatant violator of human rights and Iran aims to dominate the entire Middle East. The combination of hegemonic ambition, political madness and a nuclear weapon is an unacceptable and unbearable combination which endangers the entire world and against which the entire world must act with all its power."
President Peres visited Canada in May 2012 on a state visit during which he conducted work meetings with Prime Minister Harper, the Governor General and the Foreign Minister. At the center of the visit stood the issue of strengthening the strategic relations between the two countries and the Iranian threat. During the visit President Peres called for an increase in the severity and scope of the sanctions on Tehran and an increase in the isolation of the country to ensure Iran does not become a nuclear armed state.