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- Written by Prime Minister's Media Adviser
"Today we struck at one of those involved in the criminal firing of rockets at Eilat. I said that we would not ignore this; our action is in continuation of our policy. We will not accept the sporadic firing of rockets from either the Gaza Strip or Sinai. We will act, and are acting, in order to defend Israeli citizens. I would also like to express my condolences and those of the entire country to the family of Evyatar Borovsky. The terrorist who perpetrated the murder has been captured and we will continue to act on this front as well in order to defend our citizens."
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- Written by Prime Minister's Media Adviser
Prime Minister Netanyahu inscribed Isaiah 2:4 – "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
Serbian President Nikolic chose Psalm 85:11-12 – "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs out of the earth; and righteousness has looked down from heaven."
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Serbian President received certificates attesting to their participation in the project. The latter is the first Balkan head of state to participate in the project. The Prime Minister of Canada, the Pope and the President of Panama are among the world leaders who have participated in the project.
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- Written by Office of the President
Prime Minister Letta to President Peres:
Italy under my leadership will continue to strengthen the relations with Israel. In the second half of 2013 we will invite Israel's government ministers to a joint meeting in Italy
The President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, held a diplomatic work meeting today during his visit to Italy with the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr. Enrico Letta, who took up office two days ago. The two discussed the economic solution in Italy and ways out of the current crisis, the Iranian nuclear threat, the ongoing crisis in Syria and the situation in Lebanon, ways to progress the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and strengthening the cooperation between Israel and Italy.
Prime Minister Letta began by thanking President Peres for his visit and saying he was happy to host him in a first diplomatic meeting between the two and expressed his hope that he would be able to visit Israel soon. Prime Minister Letta told President Peres that he planned to lead a pro-European government and that he would meet with the leaders of Europe and enter into dialogue with them with the aim of strengthening the cooperation between Italy and the European Union. Prime Minister Letta added that he was facing difficult economic circumstances and low public approval of the political system in Italy. The Prime Minister concluded by saying that he attached great importance to the good relations between Israel and Italy and that in the second half of 2013 he will invite Israel's government ministers to a joint meeting in Rome.
President Peres congratulated Mr. Letta on becoming Prime Minister and said, "Don't be overly concerned with the economic crisis, I am sure that under your leadership, with your experience and wisdom, you will succeed in navigating Italy out of the current crisis and that economic growth and prosperity will return. Italy is blessed with good people, quality industry and creativity – all this will help Italy out of the current crisis." President Peres discussed with Prime Minister Letta the steps his government took when Israel was faced with an economic crisis during the 1980s which included inflation of over 400% and stressed the importance of investment in science, advanced technology and joint research projects between countries. President Peres added that Israel sees great importance in the relations with Italy and that trade between the countries this year had reached $4.2 billion.
President Peres also discussed the Iranian attempts to develop nuclear weapons, the fact that Iran is an obstacle to peace and stability in the Middle East. President Peres told Prime Minister Letta that nuclear weapons in Iranian hands would be a clear danger not only to the Middle East but to the entire world including the capitals of Europe. The two also discussed the danger of the transfer of Syrian weapons and President Peres stressed his belief that President Assad is no longer an alternative since he had become a murdered of his own people.
The two leaders also discussed the peace process and President Peres said that the visit of the Foreign Ministers of the Arab League to Washington is positive and provides fresh impetus to progressing the peace process towards the agreed upon solution of two states for two peoples, "The differences between us and the Palestinians are not great, Abu Mazen is a genuine and serious partner for peace and Israel is ready to return to the negotiating table without preconditions so that all the issues which remain open between our two nations can be discussed."
At the end of the meeting the two leaders delivered joint statements to the press (video footage available via the GPO ftp server) which focused on the importance of the continuing and strengthening the excellent relations between Italy and Israel.
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- Written by Office of the President
President Peres invited Pope Francis to visit Israel on an official state visit
President Peres:
"The Lord did not give anyone the authority to murder and to carry out bloodshed"
"The Pope has an important role in progressing peace in the Middle East and the whole world"
Pope Francis:
Anti-Semitism goes against Christianity – as Pope I will not tolerate any expression of anti-Semitism
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- Written by MOD
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 29 April 2013), welcomed the launch of the State of Israel's fifth submarine. "The submarines are a strong, strategic tool for the IDF. The State of Israel is ready to act anytime, anywhere – on land, sea and air – in order to ensure the security of Israel's citizens," the Prime Minister said.
Defense Ministry Receives IDF's Fifth Dolphin Class Submarine from Germany
At an official ceremony today (Monday, 29 April 2013), at the Kiel shipyard in Hamburg, the Defense Ministry received a fifth Dolphin class submarine – the "INS Rahav".
Defense Ministry Director-General, Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Udi Shani, GOC Navy, Rear Admiral Ram Rothberg, other senior Israeli officials and their German counterparts inaugurated the submarine. This ceremony signaled the end of a lengthy process led by the Defense Ministry Procurement Administration and the Israeli Navy.
The highpoint of the event in the Kiel shipyard was the ceremonial breaking of the champagne bottle on the submarine by both Israeli and German officials. "INS Rahav" will arrive in Israel during the course of 2013, upon the completion and installation of its relevant systems. It is considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated submarines in the world, and will be among Israel's most expensive pieces of military equipment.
The Rahav submarine is extremely versatile with a range of capabilities enabling it to adapt to a multitude of missions. The submarines are the multiplier force of the Israeli Navy, the IDF, and the State of Israel.
