Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke at a joint press conference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. During the meeting, Saar stated that they do not want to confront Turkey in Syria or elsewhere.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke at a joint press conference in West Jerusalem with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, who visited Israel. Saar pointed out that the EU is Israel’s top trading partner, emphasizing the shared values, interests, and sometimes differing opinions they have, including a common historical background.

“WAR IS FOR WESTERN CIVILIZATION” Saar defended Israel as a strategic asset for the EU, stating that the fights against Iran, the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah in the region are for the sake of Western civilization. He mentioned that Israel had accepted a ceasefire proposal in Gaza from the US special envoy Steve Witkoff, but Hamas rejected it, explaining that ending the war depends on the release of Israeli captives in Gaza, disarmament of Gaza, and the withdrawal of Hamas and Islamic Jihad armed elements from there.

HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA Saar addressed Israel’s restriction on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, claiming that Hamas gains power from humanitarian aid and therefore Israel acts in accordance with international law. He mentioned that Israel will no longer continue distributing aid in Gaza in the old manner and will establish a new system, although he did not provide further details. “WE DON’T WANT TO CONFRONT WITH TURKEY” Responding to a question about Turkey’s influence in Syria, Saar expressed, “We do not want to confront with Turkey in Syria or elsewhere.” When asked about Israel discussing completely occupying and militarily controlling Gaza with the US, Saar mentioned that the government has not made a decision on this matter yet.