After the many support visits by Western world leaders to Israel, today (Wednesday) Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in the Kirya in Tel Aviv together with other senior Israeli and Czech officials. During the conversation the Prime Minister told Fiala: "This is our darkest hour. I appreciate you standing here."
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Fiala told the Prime Minister during the meeting: "Hamas is our common enemy, we must ensure that it is isolated. It has been on the European Union's terror list for years, and now we must act."
Netanyahu at the beginning of the meeting: "I am very happy to welcome you here. The Czech Republic has been a very big supporter of Israel in good times and in dark times. This is our darkest hour, and I appreciate that you are standing here. Your support is greatly appreciated and I welcome your arrival in Israel. I always say that there is only one thing better than standing by Israel, and that is standing inside Israel. That's what you're doing. Thank you."
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic: "The international community must push for the unconditional release of the abductees"
Fiala told the Prime Minister: "Thank you Prime Minister. I came here at this difficult time to express our clear support and solidarity with Israel. We had plans to meet in Prague on October 8, but one day before that, Hamas and Palestinian terrorist organizations launched their barbaric terror. October 7th was the most tragic day for Israel and the Jewish people in decades. One Czech citizen was among the victims of this terrorist act."
"The photos and videos we saw are shocking. Really shocking. These acts of violence have no place in our world. I want it to be clear, the Czech Republic stands with Israel now and always. Just like it happened 75 years ago, you can count on our voice and support, I'm glad that Czech companies immediately provided basic military equipment to Israel, especially 3,000 ballistic protective vests, and we have the option of sending more."
Israel has an absolute right to defend itself
"Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. The terrorists still have more than two hundred hostages, I have deep feelings for all the families. The international community must push for their unconditional release. Tomorrow I am going to Brussels for a meeting of the European Council."
"My goal is to ensure that the Council confirms the strong support for Israel and its right to defend itself. Hamas is our common enemy, we must ensure that it is isolated. It has been on the European Union's terror list for years, and now we must act. Dear Prime Minister, Israel can count on the Czech Republic. We stand with you as we always have."