(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid:
“Minister of Foreign Affairs Baerbock and I discussed the nuclear talks with the Iranians, which are being held in Vienna and in which Germany is a partner. I presented our position that a nuclear Iran poses a risk not only to Israel, but to the entire world.
“The E3 countries cannot ignore the threat posed by Iran beyond the nuclear issue. Iran is Hezbollah in the north, Iran is Hamas in the south, Iran is an exporter of terrorism whose tentacles stretch from Yemen to Buenos Aires.
“I also discussed with FM Baerbock the false and despicable attempt to describe Israel as an apartheid state. The use of this word - apartheid - specifically towards the people who suffered from racism most of all, is unforgivable and intolerable.
“This campaign is part of a larger campaign, which aims to challenge Israel's right to exist as the nation state of the Jewish people. In the face of this campaign, Germany - like its foreign minister - is a true friend whose support can be relied upon.
“It is not only the past that connects us, but the present as well. The alliance with Germany is one of Israel's most important alliances. It is an economic, security and political connection, a connection based on democratic and liberal values and a similar worldview.
“We hold a similar view on issues such as the climate, LGBT rights, the importance of the fight against all types of racism and bigotry, and the need to fight for democracy that has been under global attack in recent years.
“The way to create change is through dialogue. I thank FM Baerbock for this dialogue, for her commitment to Israel's security and existence, and for the fact that she came to visit us in Israel so close to taking office.”