7 sept 2018
Paraguay's former President Cartes with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Despite Israel believes Paraguay's decision to move embassy to Tel Aviv was due to Arab pressure, sources say Paraguayan officials' anger about Israel's behavior triggered decision; former Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes says 'Any nation that had turned its back on Israel, paid a very heavy price.'
Paraguay's decision to move its embassy back from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv was influenced by the Latin American country's disappointment with Israel's lack of mutuality, according to sources involved in the relations between the two countries.
The sources added that Paraguay's senior officials had fumed about the fact neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor other Israeli minister had visited their country, or expressed any gratitude after Paraguay had acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
"Israel didn't invest anything in its relations with Paraguay. Netanyahu didn't visit, there were no delegations nor agreements signed. The Arabs invested funds (in Paraguay) or at least promised to," according to the one of the sources.
"Not much was required from us to maintain the relations, but Israel took it as granted," the source opined.
However, Israel believes that the decision was made due to Arab pressure and a promise of future investment deals in the country.
Two weeks ago several businessmen and heads of prominent organizations were requested to organize an delegation to the south American country by December.
The Israeli flag was taken down Thursday from the building of the Israeli Embassy in Asuncion a day after the Latin American country had announced its decision to move its embassy back from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.
In the wake of Paraguay's decision, Turkey announced it would open its embassy in Asuncion. Turkey’s ambassador to Paraguay has been operating out of Buenos Aires. Turkey has a consulate in Asuncion and another in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.
"By opening the embassy, Turkey is expressing support for Paraguay’s stance on Israel," Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni told reporters.
Former Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes who decided to move its diplomatic mission in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, slammed his successor President Mario Abdo Benitez's decision to return the embassy to Tel Aviv.
"The Jewish-Christian values have been betrayed," said Cartes who had travelled to Israel to inaugurate the Paraguay Embassy in May.
Cartes added, "Today a friend was betrayed, the Paraguayan people's will and stance were betrayed.
"The friendship between Paraguay and Israel was betrayed. Any nation that had turned its back on Israel, paid a very heavy price," the former president elucidated.
Jerusalem swiftly responded when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered to shut down the Israeli Embassy in Asuncion.
Israeli Ambassador to Paraguay Ze'ev Harel had to leave hastily his residence in the country. He posted a picture of him riding a horse as a metaphor for his departure.
"I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart without addressing any political issue," Harel wrote on his Facebook page.
"Unfortunately, I have to leave Paraguay unexpectedly. You know why.
"I had a wonderful year here and I've enjoyed every minute of it. My soul is tied to Paraguay. It pains me. I love Paraguay and pray for good things to come," the Israeli envoy concluded.
Despite Israel believes Paraguay's decision to move embassy to Tel Aviv was due to Arab pressure, sources say Paraguayan officials' anger about Israel's behavior triggered decision; former Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes says 'Any nation that had turned its back on Israel, paid a very heavy price.'
Paraguay's decision to move its embassy back from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv was influenced by the Latin American country's disappointment with Israel's lack of mutuality, according to sources involved in the relations between the two countries.
The sources added that Paraguay's senior officials had fumed about the fact neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor other Israeli minister had visited their country, or expressed any gratitude after Paraguay had acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
"Israel didn't invest anything in its relations with Paraguay. Netanyahu didn't visit, there were no delegations nor agreements signed. The Arabs invested funds (in Paraguay) or at least promised to," according to the one of the sources.
"Not much was required from us to maintain the relations, but Israel took it as granted," the source opined.
However, Israel believes that the decision was made due to Arab pressure and a promise of future investment deals in the country.
Two weeks ago several businessmen and heads of prominent organizations were requested to organize an delegation to the south American country by December.
The Israeli flag was taken down Thursday from the building of the Israeli Embassy in Asuncion a day after the Latin American country had announced its decision to move its embassy back from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.
In the wake of Paraguay's decision, Turkey announced it would open its embassy in Asuncion. Turkey’s ambassador to Paraguay has been operating out of Buenos Aires. Turkey has a consulate in Asuncion and another in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.
"By opening the embassy, Turkey is expressing support for Paraguay’s stance on Israel," Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni told reporters.
Former Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes who decided to move its diplomatic mission in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, slammed his successor President Mario Abdo Benitez's decision to return the embassy to Tel Aviv.
"The Jewish-Christian values have been betrayed," said Cartes who had travelled to Israel to inaugurate the Paraguay Embassy in May.
Cartes added, "Today a friend was betrayed, the Paraguayan people's will and stance were betrayed.
"The friendship between Paraguay and Israel was betrayed. Any nation that had turned its back on Israel, paid a very heavy price," the former president elucidated.
Jerusalem swiftly responded when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered to shut down the Israeli Embassy in Asuncion.
Israeli Ambassador to Paraguay Ze'ev Harel had to leave hastily his residence in the country. He posted a picture of him riding a horse as a metaphor for his departure.
"I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart without addressing any political issue," Harel wrote on his Facebook page.
"Unfortunately, I have to leave Paraguay unexpectedly. You know why.
"I had a wonderful year here and I've enjoyed every minute of it. My soul is tied to Paraguay. It pains me. I love Paraguay and pray for good things to come," the Israeli envoy concluded.
President Mario Abdo Benitez
An official from the Paraguayan Embassy was not surprised by the new president's decision to move back the embassy to Tel Aviv. The official also revealed that the lease of the embassy in Jerusalem allowed early termination.
Benitez announced he would not close the Paraguay Embassy in Israel.
"I regret Israel's decision. The reaction of closing the embassy was a little exaggerated and we urge authorities to reconsider it," Benitez said at a news conference in Itapua, 273 miles (440 kilometers) south of Asuncion.
An official from the Paraguayan Embassy was not surprised by the new president's decision to move back the embassy to Tel Aviv. The official also revealed that the lease of the embassy in Jerusalem allowed early termination.
Benitez announced he would not close the Paraguay Embassy in Israel.
"I regret Israel's decision. The reaction of closing the embassy was a little exaggerated and we urge authorities to reconsider it," Benitez said at a news conference in Itapua, 273 miles (440 kilometers) south of Asuncion.
Arab-Israeli MP Ayman Odeh left disappointed after a meeting, with EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini, to request that the body condemn and call for the cancellation of Israel’s new racist law.
The meeting came after a number of Israeli officials pressured Mogherini to cancel her meeting with the chairman of the Arab politician, Haaretz reported.
An EU spokesperson said that the law “is first and foremost a matter of how Israel chooses to define itself, and we fully respect the internal Israeli debate on this.”
He added, according to Days of Palestine: “The EU values Israel’s commitment to the shared values of democracy and human rights, which have characterized our long standing and fruitful relations, and would not want to see these values being put in question or even threatened.
“Democracy and equality, including equal rights for minorities, are key tenets that define our societies.”
The EU spokesperson continued: “The respect for human rights and fundamental principles are and will remain a central part of the EU-Israel partnership. We will continue to monitor the implications of this law in practice.”
Several Arab members of the Israeli Knesset are in Brussels, Belgium, to meet with EU officials to discuss “the crawling apartheid” in Israel.
They were calling on officials in Europe to condemn the law which officially declares Israel a Jewish state and strips Arabic of its status as a national language.
07/23/18 TRNN Analysis: Israel Legislates Apartheid into Law
The meeting came after a number of Israeli officials pressured Mogherini to cancel her meeting with the chairman of the Arab politician, Haaretz reported.
An EU spokesperson said that the law “is first and foremost a matter of how Israel chooses to define itself, and we fully respect the internal Israeli debate on this.”
He added, according to Days of Palestine: “The EU values Israel’s commitment to the shared values of democracy and human rights, which have characterized our long standing and fruitful relations, and would not want to see these values being put in question or even threatened.
“Democracy and equality, including equal rights for minorities, are key tenets that define our societies.”
The EU spokesperson continued: “The respect for human rights and fundamental principles are and will remain a central part of the EU-Israel partnership. We will continue to monitor the implications of this law in practice.”
Several Arab members of the Israeli Knesset are in Brussels, Belgium, to meet with EU officials to discuss “the crawling apartheid” in Israel.
They were calling on officials in Europe to condemn the law which officially declares Israel a Jewish state and strips Arabic of its status as a national language.
07/23/18 TRNN Analysis: Israel Legislates Apartheid into Law
6 sept 2018
Palestinian foreign minister persuades the new Paraguayan leadership to move embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv; Israel believes the decision was made amid Arab pressure and perhaps even a promise of future investment in country.
The Palestinians have revealed their persuasion efforts leading to the Paraguayan leadership's decision to move its embassy from Jerusalem back to Tel Aviv.
Israel believes that the decision was made due to Arab pressure and a promise of future investment deals in the country.
The decision was made two weeks when the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki, arrived in Paraguay for an official visit aimed at convincing the Asunción leadership to move their embassy back to Tel Aviv, while taking advantage of the country's change of government.
Al-Maliki said that he had already received an official promise from new President of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez, and the new foreign Minister, Luis Alberto Castiglioni that the move would take place quietly in early September.
The Palestinian foreign minister returned with the happy news to Ramallah and briefed Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas on the Paraguayan promise, stressing that the matter must be kept secret until Paraguay publicly announces the decision to movie its embassy back to Tel Aviv.
After the official announcement, Al-Maliki issued a statement in which he acknowledged Paraguay's move and commitment to international law and UN Security Council resolutions. He stressed that the return of the embassy to Tel Aviv is in Paraguay's interest, which will allow the country to maintain stable ties with Arab countries.
Following the announcement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry hailed Paraguay's decision as "a new Palestinian diplomatic achievement."
"Minister al-Maliki exerted a big effort during his meeting with the new president who instructed his foreign minister to arrange the issue," the Palestinian foreign ministry added.
Paraguay's decision caused a stir in Israel. Hours after the Latin American nation made the announcement, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the closure of Israel's embassy in Paraguay and the return of the Israeli ambassador.
"Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries," Netanyahu posted on Twitter.
Explaining the new Paraguayan move, the country's foreign minister, Luis Alberto Castiglioni, said: "Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East."
Referring to Israel's response, Castiglioni said that the reaction was "disproportionate."
Paraguay president Abdo, who took office last month, defended his decision as part of an effort to support "broad, lasting and just peace" among Israelis and Palestinians."Paraguay is a country of principles," Abdo added on Twitter.
Israeli officials estimate that pressure from Arab countries, and possibly a promise of future investment in the country, are the reasons behind Paraguay's decision.
Netanyahu tries to trick Rivlin
On August 10, Yedioth Ahronoth's journalist, Nahum Barnea revealed the true story behind the scenes.
At the end of July, President Reuven Rivlin visited Croatia. During the visit Rivlin received a message from the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem saying that Netanyahu has asked him to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new president of Paraguay, Abdo.
When Rivlin asked why Netanyahu is not traveling himself, he was told that the prime minister is scheduled to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Presidents of Colombia at the same time.
When asked what made Paraguay so important, the Foreign Ministry said that the outgoing Paraguayan President, Horacio Cartes, moved the embassy to Jerusalem but added a condition: within six months they will decide whether to leave it there or move the embassy back to Tel Aviv.
The Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of keeping the Paraguayan embassy in Jerusalem, and told Rivlin that a visit by a president will help convince Abdo, the new president of Paraguay, to do so.
Rivlin understood that Netanyahu was setting a trap for him: if he visits Paraguay, and the new president moves the embassy, he would be the culprit.
It should be noted that Paraguay is a complicated issue in the Prime Minister's Office.
Ari Harow, former Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office, and now a state witness, allegedly received money to promote relations with Paraguay.
More than three years ago, Netanyahu ordered the Foreign Ministry to open an embassy in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, contrary to the position of the ministry.
After Rivlin rejected the Foreign Ministry's request, Netanyahu sent Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to Paraguay, where he met with the outgoing and incoming Paraguayan presidents.
Netanyahu: The move 'symbolizes the friendship between the countries'
After former Paraguayan president Cartes inaugurated the new embassy in Jerusalem, Netanyahu thanked him and said: "This is a great day for Israel.
A great day for Paraguay. A great day for our friendship. You have not only the support of our government but the profound gratitude of the people Israel."
"Paraguay helped the Jews escape Nazi Germany," the prime minister said of the historic bond between Paraguay and the Jewish people.
"We will never forget it. You did it before, during and after the Holocaust. It was an expression of compassion and generosity that will always be etched in our hearts. Paraguay also supported the establishment of the State of Israel and recognized Israel at the UN. We won't forget that, either," Netanyahu added.
"It is an honor for me to be here today," Paraguayan President Cartes said at the ceremony.
"I don't like binding or ambiguous positions. Our friendship is based on shared values, such as democracy, tolerance and dignity, lack of discrimination and peaceful coexistence," Cartes stated.
The embassy in Jerusalem was inaugurated just a few months ago, in May. The decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem was made by former President Horacio Cartes after he was elected and before his term ended.
Cartes announced the decision at an event celebrating Israel's 70th Independence Day in Asunción. A month later he arrived in Jerusalem in and opened the embassy in to inaugurate the new embassy at the Malha Technology Park, near the new Guatemalan embassy in Jerusalem.
At the time, reports surfaced in Paraguay that President-elect Abdo was not comfortable with the decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and said that after he takes office he would move the embassy back to Tel Aviv. Paraguay denied these reports at the time, which now seem accurate.
The decision to shut down the Israeli Embassy in Paraguay is not surprising, since the decision to open the embassy was made contrary to the professional position of the Foreign Ministry.
Paraguay is not considered an important country and the person who pushed for the opening of the embassy was a close associate of Netanyahu Yechiel Leiter, who was the chief strategist in Cartes' campaign his strategic adviser for several years.
Paraguay's decision was a blow to Israel's efforts to achieve external recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, which appeared to have gained some traction this year with the United States, Guatemala and Paraguay opening embassies there.
Jerusalem may be comforted by Bulgaria's decision to open an honorary consulate in the city.
The Palestinians have revealed their persuasion efforts leading to the Paraguayan leadership's decision to move its embassy from Jerusalem back to Tel Aviv.
Israel believes that the decision was made due to Arab pressure and a promise of future investment deals in the country.
The decision was made two weeks when the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki, arrived in Paraguay for an official visit aimed at convincing the Asunción leadership to move their embassy back to Tel Aviv, while taking advantage of the country's change of government.
Al-Maliki said that he had already received an official promise from new President of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez, and the new foreign Minister, Luis Alberto Castiglioni that the move would take place quietly in early September.
The Palestinian foreign minister returned with the happy news to Ramallah and briefed Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas on the Paraguayan promise, stressing that the matter must be kept secret until Paraguay publicly announces the decision to movie its embassy back to Tel Aviv.
After the official announcement, Al-Maliki issued a statement in which he acknowledged Paraguay's move and commitment to international law and UN Security Council resolutions. He stressed that the return of the embassy to Tel Aviv is in Paraguay's interest, which will allow the country to maintain stable ties with Arab countries.
Following the announcement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry hailed Paraguay's decision as "a new Palestinian diplomatic achievement."
"Minister al-Maliki exerted a big effort during his meeting with the new president who instructed his foreign minister to arrange the issue," the Palestinian foreign ministry added.
Paraguay's decision caused a stir in Israel. Hours after the Latin American nation made the announcement, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the closure of Israel's embassy in Paraguay and the return of the Israeli ambassador.
"Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries," Netanyahu posted on Twitter.
Explaining the new Paraguayan move, the country's foreign minister, Luis Alberto Castiglioni, said: "Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East."
Referring to Israel's response, Castiglioni said that the reaction was "disproportionate."
Paraguay president Abdo, who took office last month, defended his decision as part of an effort to support "broad, lasting and just peace" among Israelis and Palestinians."Paraguay is a country of principles," Abdo added on Twitter.
Israeli officials estimate that pressure from Arab countries, and possibly a promise of future investment in the country, are the reasons behind Paraguay's decision.
Netanyahu tries to trick Rivlin
On August 10, Yedioth Ahronoth's journalist, Nahum Barnea revealed the true story behind the scenes.
At the end of July, President Reuven Rivlin visited Croatia. During the visit Rivlin received a message from the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem saying that Netanyahu has asked him to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new president of Paraguay, Abdo.
When Rivlin asked why Netanyahu is not traveling himself, he was told that the prime minister is scheduled to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Presidents of Colombia at the same time.
When asked what made Paraguay so important, the Foreign Ministry said that the outgoing Paraguayan President, Horacio Cartes, moved the embassy to Jerusalem but added a condition: within six months they will decide whether to leave it there or move the embassy back to Tel Aviv.
The Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of keeping the Paraguayan embassy in Jerusalem, and told Rivlin that a visit by a president will help convince Abdo, the new president of Paraguay, to do so.
Rivlin understood that Netanyahu was setting a trap for him: if he visits Paraguay, and the new president moves the embassy, he would be the culprit.
It should be noted that Paraguay is a complicated issue in the Prime Minister's Office.
Ari Harow, former Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office, and now a state witness, allegedly received money to promote relations with Paraguay.
More than three years ago, Netanyahu ordered the Foreign Ministry to open an embassy in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, contrary to the position of the ministry.
After Rivlin rejected the Foreign Ministry's request, Netanyahu sent Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to Paraguay, where he met with the outgoing and incoming Paraguayan presidents.
Netanyahu: The move 'symbolizes the friendship between the countries'
After former Paraguayan president Cartes inaugurated the new embassy in Jerusalem, Netanyahu thanked him and said: "This is a great day for Israel.
A great day for Paraguay. A great day for our friendship. You have not only the support of our government but the profound gratitude of the people Israel."
"Paraguay helped the Jews escape Nazi Germany," the prime minister said of the historic bond between Paraguay and the Jewish people.
"We will never forget it. You did it before, during and after the Holocaust. It was an expression of compassion and generosity that will always be etched in our hearts. Paraguay also supported the establishment of the State of Israel and recognized Israel at the UN. We won't forget that, either," Netanyahu added.
"It is an honor for me to be here today," Paraguayan President Cartes said at the ceremony.
"I don't like binding or ambiguous positions. Our friendship is based on shared values, such as democracy, tolerance and dignity, lack of discrimination and peaceful coexistence," Cartes stated.
The embassy in Jerusalem was inaugurated just a few months ago, in May. The decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem was made by former President Horacio Cartes after he was elected and before his term ended.
Cartes announced the decision at an event celebrating Israel's 70th Independence Day in Asunción. A month later he arrived in Jerusalem in and opened the embassy in to inaugurate the new embassy at the Malha Technology Park, near the new Guatemalan embassy in Jerusalem.
At the time, reports surfaced in Paraguay that President-elect Abdo was not comfortable with the decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and said that after he takes office he would move the embassy back to Tel Aviv. Paraguay denied these reports at the time, which now seem accurate.
The decision to shut down the Israeli Embassy in Paraguay is not surprising, since the decision to open the embassy was made contrary to the professional position of the Foreign Ministry.
Paraguay is not considered an important country and the person who pushed for the opening of the embassy was a close associate of Netanyahu Yechiel Leiter, who was the chief strategist in Cartes' campaign his strategic adviser for several years.
Paraguay's decision was a blow to Israel's efforts to achieve external recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, which appeared to have gained some traction this year with the United States, Guatemala and Paraguay opening embassies there.
Jerusalem may be comforted by Bulgaria's decision to open an honorary consulate in the city.
5 sept 2018
Paraguay has reversed a decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem after just three months, prompting anger from Israel which responded by shuttering its embassy in Asunción and recalling its ambassador.
The South American country announced in May that it would follow Donald Trump’s rabble-rousing lead by relocating the mission to the holy city, all of which Israel claims as its capital.
Former president Horacio Cartes personally inaugurated the new diplomatic site. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said at the time that Paraguay, the third country after the United States and Guatemala to make the move, had taken a “bold stance in international affairs”.
However, Paraguay’s new president, Mario Abdo Benítez, who took office last month, reviewed the choice and his foreign minister told reporters on Wednesday that the decision had been changed.
“Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East,” Luis Alberto Castiglioni said.
Shortly after, Netanyahu’s office responded by saying it will close its Paraguay embassy and recall its ambassador for consultations. “Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries,” a brief statement said.
Diplomats had warned that Trump’s December announcement could see a return to violence in the region. On the day Washington’s embassy was opened in occupied Jerusalem – attended by Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner – Israeli forces shot and killed 58 Palestinians protesting against the event.
The South American country announced in May that it would follow Donald Trump’s rabble-rousing lead by relocating the mission to the holy city, all of which Israel claims as its capital.
Former president Horacio Cartes personally inaugurated the new diplomatic site. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said at the time that Paraguay, the third country after the United States and Guatemala to make the move, had taken a “bold stance in international affairs”.
However, Paraguay’s new president, Mario Abdo Benítez, who took office last month, reviewed the choice and his foreign minister told reporters on Wednesday that the decision had been changed.
“Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East,” Luis Alberto Castiglioni said.
Shortly after, Netanyahu’s office responded by saying it will close its Paraguay embassy and recall its ambassador for consultations. “Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries,” a brief statement said.
Diplomats had warned that Trump’s December announcement could see a return to violence in the region. On the day Washington’s embassy was opened in occupied Jerusalem – attended by Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner – Israeli forces shot and killed 58 Palestinians protesting against the event.
PM Netanyahu (L), Paraguay's President Mario Abdo
After Latin American country says it has decided to move its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, PM tweets, 'Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries'; Palestinians claim they are responsible for decision.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also the foreign minister, ordered the closure of Israel's embassy in Paraguay on Wednesday hours after the Latin American nation said it had decided to return its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.
The United States and Guatemala also moved their embassies to Jerusalem in May and Netanyahu has attempted to persuade other countries to follow their lead.
"Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries," a brief statement from the Prime Minister's office said.
According to the Palestinian foreign ministry, the Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki was responsible for Paraguay's decision to move back the embassy to Tel Aviv.
The ministry added Paraguay had said it would move its embassy back to Tel Aviv two weeks ago during al-Maliki's visit to the country.
Explaining the new Paraguayan move, the country's foreign minister, Luis Alberto Castiglioni, said: "Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East."
Former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes travelled to Israel to inaugurate the new embassy in May. He was replaced last month by Mario Abdo, also a member of the conservative Colorado party.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the inauguration ceremony at the Malha Technology Park, near the new Guatemalan embassy.
"It is an honor for me to be here today," Paraguayan President Cartes said at the ceremony. "The opening of the embassy holds special meaning, because it expresses the sincere friendship and the brave solidarity between Paraguay and Israel," Netanyahu said.
"I don't like binding or ambiguous positions. Our friendship is based on shared values, such as democracy, tolerance and dignity, lack of discrimination and peaceful coexistence," Cartes stated.
"This is a historic day that strengthens ties between Paraguay and Israel," he continued.
"A great day for Israel. A great day for Paraguay. A great day for our friendship," Netanyahu responded. "You have not only the support of our government but the profound gratitude of the people Israel."
"Paraguay helped the Jews escape Nazi Germany," the prime minister said of the historic bond between Paraguay and the Jewish people.
"We will never forget it. You did it before, during and after the Holocaust. It was an expression of compassion and generosity that will always be etched in our hearts. Paraguay also supported the establishment of the State of Israel and recognized Israel at the UN. We won't forget that, either," the premier added.
"You're an amazing friend to Israel," Netanyahu told Cartes. "Under your leadership, Paraguay made courageous moves in the international arena and refused to take part in the lies against Israel. It's time we do a lot more together and increase the cooperation between us. We've been discussing water, agriculture, security, and we are doing and want to do more. And we will."
After Latin American country says it has decided to move its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, PM tweets, 'Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries'; Palestinians claim they are responsible for decision.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also the foreign minister, ordered the closure of Israel's embassy in Paraguay on Wednesday hours after the Latin American nation said it had decided to return its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.
The United States and Guatemala also moved their embassies to Jerusalem in May and Netanyahu has attempted to persuade other countries to follow their lead.
"Israel views with great severity the unusual decision by Paraguay that will strain the ties between the countries," a brief statement from the Prime Minister's office said.
According to the Palestinian foreign ministry, the Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki was responsible for Paraguay's decision to move back the embassy to Tel Aviv.
The ministry added Paraguay had said it would move its embassy back to Tel Aviv two weeks ago during al-Maliki's visit to the country.
Explaining the new Paraguayan move, the country's foreign minister, Luis Alberto Castiglioni, said: "Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East."
Former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes travelled to Israel to inaugurate the new embassy in May. He was replaced last month by Mario Abdo, also a member of the conservative Colorado party.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the inauguration ceremony at the Malha Technology Park, near the new Guatemalan embassy.
"It is an honor for me to be here today," Paraguayan President Cartes said at the ceremony. "The opening of the embassy holds special meaning, because it expresses the sincere friendship and the brave solidarity between Paraguay and Israel," Netanyahu said.
"I don't like binding or ambiguous positions. Our friendship is based on shared values, such as democracy, tolerance and dignity, lack of discrimination and peaceful coexistence," Cartes stated.
"This is a historic day that strengthens ties between Paraguay and Israel," he continued.
"A great day for Israel. A great day for Paraguay. A great day for our friendship," Netanyahu responded. "You have not only the support of our government but the profound gratitude of the people Israel."
"Paraguay helped the Jews escape Nazi Germany," the prime minister said of the historic bond between Paraguay and the Jewish people.
"We will never forget it. You did it before, during and after the Holocaust. It was an expression of compassion and generosity that will always be etched in our hearts. Paraguay also supported the establishment of the State of Israel and recognized Israel at the UN. We won't forget that, either," the premier added.
"You're an amazing friend to Israel," Netanyahu told Cartes. "Under your leadership, Paraguay made courageous moves in the international arena and refused to take part in the lies against Israel. It's time we do a lot more together and increase the cooperation between us. We've been discussing water, agriculture, security, and we are doing and want to do more. And we will."
3 sept 2018
Israeli Defense Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, threatened on Monday that Israel might attack any suspected Iranian military assets in Iraq as it has already done in Syria.
Avigdor Lieberman hinted during a press conference in Jerusalem, on Monday, saying "we are certainly monitoring everything that is happening in Syria, and regarding Iranian threats we are not limiting ourselves just to Syrian territory. This also needs to be clear."
When asked if Iraq is included, he responded by saying "I am saying that we will contend with any Iranian threat, and it doesn't matter from where it comes, Israel is freed."
Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against arms transfers and deployments by Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Hezbollah militia, fearing the threat across its border.
Lieberman confirmed that Israel will also be following any political developments in Iraq's capital, Baghdad.
Avigdor Lieberman hinted during a press conference in Jerusalem, on Monday, saying "we are certainly monitoring everything that is happening in Syria, and regarding Iranian threats we are not limiting ourselves just to Syrian territory. This also needs to be clear."
When asked if Iraq is included, he responded by saying "I am saying that we will contend with any Iranian threat, and it doesn't matter from where it comes, Israel is freed."
Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against arms transfers and deployments by Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Hezbollah militia, fearing the threat across its border.
Lieberman confirmed that Israel will also be following any political developments in Iraq's capital, Baghdad.
1 sept 2018
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech Wednesday at the Dimona nuclear plant, the site and symbol of Israel’s nuclear weapon capacity, and warned Iran and other regional rivals against taking Israel on.
The weak crumble, are slaughtered and are erased from history while the strong, for good or for ill, survive. The strong are respected, and alliances are made with the strong, and in the end peace is made with the strong…
But our enemies know very well what Israel is capable of doing. They are familiar with our policy. Whoever tries to hurt us—we hurt them.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Iran was being “threatened with atomic annihilation by a warmonger standing next to an actual nuclear weapons factory.”
Netanyahu’s comments were widely derided on twitter as fascistic. Some quoted Adolf Hitler’s speech in Munich in 1923 at a time when he was gaining a following:
“The whole of nature is a mighty struggle between strength and weakness, an eternal victory of the strong over the weak.”
Norman Finkelstein writes, “According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism–” which is now being embraced by political leaders in the U.S. and Britain — “’drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis’ is taboo.
“Does this mean that the obvious juxtaposition of Netanyahu’s and Hitler’s words is antisemitic? Put otherwise, whose fault is it if Netanyahu sounds like Hitler?”
The weak crumble, are slaughtered and are erased from history while the strong, for good or for ill, survive. The strong are respected, and alliances are made with the strong, and in the end peace is made with the strong…
But our enemies know very well what Israel is capable of doing. They are familiar with our policy. Whoever tries to hurt us—we hurt them.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Iran was being “threatened with atomic annihilation by a warmonger standing next to an actual nuclear weapons factory.”
Netanyahu’s comments were widely derided on twitter as fascistic. Some quoted Adolf Hitler’s speech in Munich in 1923 at a time when he was gaining a following:
“The whole of nature is a mighty struggle between strength and weakness, an eternal victory of the strong over the weak.”
Norman Finkelstein writes, “According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism–” which is now being embraced by political leaders in the U.S. and Britain — “’drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis’ is taboo.
“Does this mean that the obvious juxtaposition of Netanyahu’s and Hitler’s words is antisemitic? Put otherwise, whose fault is it if Netanyahu sounds like Hitler?”
