Rivlin to Mladenov: We will respond forcibly to attacks
‘Israel will not stand by while our people are under attack, and the world must know that’
President Reuven Rivlin met with UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov on Wednesday, according to the president’s office. They discussed current regional security and diplomatic issues, especially the current escalation in the South.
“Last night, missiles were fired on us from Gaza,” the president said. “Only the quick response of a mother saved the lives of her children. Men, women and children all spent the night in shelters. Israel will not stand by while our people are under attack, and the world must know that.”
Mladenov responded to Rivlin, saying: “Thank you very much Mr. President, for this important meeting. I look forward to briefing you on our efforts.”
“I am afraid that the last 24 hours have been particularly complicated,” Rivlin said in response.
Mladenov said the latest rockets that were fired from Gaza towards Beersheba are a dangerous escalation of the situation.
“Unfortunately, they fit a pattern of provocations that seek to bring Israel and Gaza into another deadly conflict and confrontation,” he said.
“It is our responsibility to do everything possible to avoid that confrontation, and I want to assure you that over the last three months we have worked very actively with all parties – with the government of Israel, with the Palestinian Authority, with the regional players, particularly with Egypt and the international community – to pursue three goals,” he said. “Firstly, to avoid a war which would be devastating for the people of Gaza and for the Israelis who live across the border. Secondly, to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the people who live in really terrible conditions. And thirdly, to support our joint efforts with Egypt to bring the legitimate Palestinian Authority back into control of Gaza,” Rivlin said.
“This is the only path forward... We need to make sure that in the next 48 hours, we really see a de-escalation on the ground, so that these efforts can continue in the interests of peace between Israelis and Palestinians and in the interests of peace in the entire region.
“I am afraid that there is no more time for words; now is the time for actions. And we must see very clear actions on all sides that bring the situation to a de-escalation. Otherwise, the consequences will be terrible for everyone. I look forward to discussing with you what can be done in order to de-escalate this environment and to move forward in a constructive manner. Thank you once again.”