Netanyahu: Israel looking east due to Europe’s ‘Islamisation’ and ‘anti-Semitism’

Israel’s prime minister met with his Japanese counterpart during a six day Middle East tour, telling him that that Israel is increasingly looking to the east due to European ‘anti-Semitism’ and ‘Islamisation’

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visited Israel for three days, accompanied by a government and business delegation.

On 19 January, he met with Benjamin Netanyahu, who told Abe that “Western Europe is undergoing a wave of IslamiSation, anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.”

“We would like to ensure that the State of Israel will have varied markets around the world”. 

“I think there are many economic areas, technological areas and other areas in which we can cooperate, and I look forward to doing that for the benefit of both our peoples” .

The Israeli leader told the cabinet that “We want to reduce our dependence on certain markets in Western Europe,” according to Haaretz.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mrs Sara Netanyahu host Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife. pic.twitter.com/Svbeu4yAgY

— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 19, 2015

Abe also met with Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, who said “We have to bring this conflict to an end, but this can only be done through direct negotiations – as you know very well, and you are helping us to make this understood by the Palestinians.” 

“Going to the United Nations or the International Criminal Court, in order to solve a problem that we must solve together, only makes peace more distant.” 

Abe thanked Rivlin for his welcome, before saying “We believe that this is a timely visit, as it coincides with seventieth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. 

“I am determined to never allow such tragedies to be repeated, and based on this commitment and determination, I am especially committed to making a proactive contribution to world peace, and the creation of a world free of war and discrimination.”

Abe visited Yad Vashem Holocaust museum whilst in Israel, but has had to cancel the remainder of his Middle East trip due to the hostage situation with ISIS.

Reacting to the threat by Islamic State to kill two Japanese hostages in 72 hours, Japan’s prime minister said in Jerusalem: “It is unforgivable and I feel strong resentment”.

He demanded that Islamic State (IS) immediately release hostages Kenji Goto Jogo and Haruna Yukawa.