Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, today (Tuesday, 14 June 2022). The leaders held a private meeting followed by an expanded meeting between the sides with the participation of Energy Minister Karine Elharrar.
They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Israel and Italy, the implications of the war in Ukraine, ways to deal with the global food crisis and possibilities for cooperation in energy, especially in light of the potential for exporting natural gas to Europe via Egypt.
Following are Prime Minister Bennett's remarks at the statements after the meeting:
"Prime Minister of Italy, my friend, Mario Draghi, I want to welcome you and your entire delegation to Jerusalem, Israel’s eternal united capital and the beating heart of the Jewish people.
“My friend, it is here in Jerusalem where the historic connection between the Jewish people and the Romans began, and it could be said that our relationship today is somewhat better.
“Our two great nations, Italy and Israel, serve as examples of modern independence restored in ancient homelands, two nations which are heirs to the principles and ideals of their ancestral roots and two nations which made significant contributions to the advancement of civilization and developed society.
“You and I, my friend, we’re privileged to lead these great nations to success. We both came to be prime ministers in an unconventional way and we both lead unique governments that are unprecedented in Israel or Italy.
“We both helped our countries restore economic stability and we’re both determined to act with pragmatism and conviction for the prosperity and security of our peoples.
“My friend, amico mio, Prime Minister Draghi, almost ten years ago you gave your famous speech and revealed your 'do whatever it takes' approach. I too will do whatever it takes to take the relations between Israel and Italy to a new level.
“I am pleased to announce that Prime Minister Draghi and I have agreed to hold a G2G in Israel as early as this year, after a nine year freeze. I think that this is a very important step.
“One of the ways that Israel can help, is through energy cooperation forthwith. At the moment, Europe needs energy forthwith and Israel has natural gas in our economic waters. This is good news for Israel, Italy and Europe. We discussed the cooperation necessary to ensure that Israel's natural gas can also be used in Europe.
“I also look forward to the day when Lebanon decides that it is willing to take advantage of the natural gas in its economic waters. It is a pity that the leadership in Lebanon is dealing with unnecessary disputes instead of producing gas for the benefit of its citizens.
“I suggest the Lebanese government seize the opportunity to improve its economy and build a better future for the Lebanese people.
“Prime Minister Draghi, I’d like to thank you for your abiding friendship towards the Jewish people, for your firm stance against antisemitism, and for your strong partnership with the Jewish state, the State of Israel.
“Insieme siamo forti. We are stronger, together."