In a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov discussed matters of mutual concern and support.
The conversation began with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing his gratitude for Bulgaria’s unwavering support for Israel, particularly during these challenging times, emphasizing the significance of such solidarity.
In response, Bulgarian Prime Minister Denkov reaffirmed his country’s strong support for Israel and its citizens, acknowledging the difficult situation Israel is facing against Hamas. He condemned the recent terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of innocent people and stressed the urgency of releasing all hostages.
Prime Minister Denkov also emphasized the need to eradicate terrorism, including its military and administrative infrastructure, to prevent further acts of violence. He expressed concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip, recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense while ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without being misused.
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s battle is not only about its own security but also a larger struggle between civilization and barbarism in the 21st century.
“If civilization doesn’t prevail, barbarism will. That’s what we see in the 21st century. This is not only our battle, it’s your battle as well and I think you understand that very well,” Netanyahu said, according to a press release from his office.
“We also are fighting an enemy, this most savage enemy that we have seen since the Holocaust, that commits a double war crime: not only deliberately targeting civilians but deliberately using their civilians as human shields. And while Israel is doing everything in its power to get the civilians out of harm’s way, Hamas is doing everything in its power to keep them in harm’s way, sometimes as gunpoint,” he added.
Both leaders acknowledged the shared values and the importance of standing together in the fight against terrorism. The meeting highlighted the need to defend common values and minimize civilian casualties while ensuring the safety and security of both nations. It concluded with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing his gratitude for Bulgaria’s steadfast support.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including the Director of the National Security Council, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, and the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary. Also present were the Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy Adviser, the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and ambassadors from both nations.