Following the crisis that arose after the publication of the meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and the Foreign Minister of Libya, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu instructed all government ministries to approve in advance any confidential diplomatic meeting with the office of the Prime Minister.
According to the directive, any publication of a confidential meeting will require the personal approval of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
"The criticism will not deter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs"
Last night (Monday), Minister Eli Cohen addressed the case and the allegations surrounding it, after not commenting on the matter since the story leaked. He explained: "The Foreign Ministry consistently operates in open and covert channels and in various secretive ways to strengthen Israel's ties around the world. The numerous achievements of the Ministry over the past year, including the opening of Omani skies to flights, the trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, two new embassies from Muslim countries, three embassies moving to Jerusalem, and more, would not have been achieved without discreet preparations and the execution of covert operations through multiple channels."
Cohen continued to address the accusations against him, regarding the claims that his conduct caused national and international damage. He stated, "It's a shame that political rivals who haven't achieved any significant accomplishments are quick to react without knowing the details and blame a leak that did not exist."
Cohen clarified that he will continue his work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and stated that, "The criticism will not deter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its excellent employees from continuing their work devotedly for the sake of the State of Israel and for the purpose of creating and strengthening relationships with our many friends around the world, and particularly in the Arab world."