This close relationship has been developing for years. I have to tell you it is something of which, as Israelis, we are very proud.
What is it like for an Israeli to await the release of the hostages?
It’s very difficult. An incredible feeling but also a heavy one. Hundreds of monsters who have committed crimes will be released. How can a father, for example, who lost his wife and two daughters feel when he knows that the murderer will be released today? How do we all feel when we know that most of them will plan their next attack as soon as they get out? It’s a very difficult contradiction of emotions.
Speaking of contradictions, Israel even today reiterated that Hamas will be eliminated. How will that be done while maintaining the ceasefire that you agreed to?
The choice was between two evils. It was not our wish. But first and foremost we want our people back. The truce is temporary. Still we will negotiate with an open heart and we will discuss extending the ceasefire. But it’s not up to us. It’s in the hands of a terrorist organization.
What about the question as to how many hostages are still alive?
Even now as we speak, Hamas is violating this and other conditions of the agreement. We are fighting so that all our hostages are released. You know, these are not only Jewish Israelis from October 7. We have an Israeli citizen who is a Muslim Bedouin with a disability who has been detained for 10 years in Gaza, along with a Jewish Israeli of Ethiopian origin who is also disabled. Ten years! But believe me, we will bring them all.
Israel’s image has suffered internationally as a result of the number of victims in Gaza. In the eyes of the West too this image is very bad.
Look. Our enemy, the jihadists are not only fighting us militarily but also through political organizations in the West, the media and social media. Al Jazeera, the mouthpiece of the Muslim Brotherhood, has been radicalizing the younger Muslim generations for many years around the world. It is the most popular network. Arab countries and the Palestinian Authority itself have banned it. Why? Because they know exactly what it does. When an immigrant from the Middle East carries out a terrorist attack in the West, what do you think? That he just woke up one morning and said, I’m going to run over 50 people at a Christmas market? No. Years of brainwashing preceded that. The risk to you is no different than the risk to us.
However, Israel’s bad image doesn’t change, does it?
Israel’s bad image is just an excuse. Israel is what your culture symbolizes here. Democracy, freedom of expression, women’s rights. Our shared values. That’s what they hate. They call these values “corrupt.” So you must understand that the “Israel’s image problem” is not ours alone. It is already your problem. And it will get worse. That is what we are at war against.
What about Ankara’s influence on the new Syrian regime?
The various Islamist forces, although with differences, come down to the global domination of Islam. Erdogan has for years also sought the re-establishment of the Ottoman Empire. Turkey in Syria does not just occupy territory. It puts it under Turkish rule. Erdogan is building Turkish post offices and banks, has even introduced the Turkish lira there. It is of course easy to smear Israel with lies to shift international attention. We are watching Syria closely and will ensure our security, including by pushing for protection of minorities there who are under attack.
I’m tempted to ask: In the end, with the turn of events, which was better for Israel, a weakened Assad or Al Golani?
Both were bad. Not only for Israel but also for regional stability and the entire international community. Both conditions are monstrous. The former was controlled by Iran. With the new one the ISIS terrorists talk nicely, have put on suits but didn’t change. They are the same butchers they always were
Did the last 14 months have an impact on the relationship between Israel, Greece and Cyprus? Was the war a setback?
We have an extremely strong relationship. In security matters, in terms of the economy, but also between people. The leaders of the two countries have visited Israel and vice versa many times. Obviously, especially during this period, we would have appreciated if this extremely strong trilateral relationship had been transferred to international organizations.
You are talking about the votings at the UN
Yes, and some statements about the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. It’s very sad that these courts have been politicized. Institutions that we, the international community, have established to prosecute real criminals and atrocities are being used as a political tool against Israel in order to equate us with a terrorist organization that has committed crimes against humanity, whereas Israel is bound by international law and abides by it. And this has been proven time and time again. It is a political theatre show. That’s what it is.
How did you react when you watched the news that the ICC prosecutor Karim Khan went to Damascus to meet with al-Golani when he was accused by Israel of not coming here for an investigation before he issued the warrants?
I am not surprised at all. He meets ISIS butchers, people who beheaded women, raped them, enslaved them, murdered so many other people. And he shakes their hand. And then he lies about the State of Israel. But I told you: it’s a political theater show. Khan is just one of its leading actors.
Cyprus’ role is significant.
Recently, President Herzog suddenly came to Cyprus at the same time as the Prime Minister of the UAE and in between President Christodoulides’ trips to Cairo and Beirut. Cyprus has very strong ties with Israel but also excellent relations with the Arabs. Is it acting as an intermediary?
Cyprus certainly has very good relations both with Israel and with the other states in the region. And yes, certainly its role is very important in the context of the dialogue and the bridges that are about to be built, whether on energy, the economy or many other issues. This close relationship has been developing for years. I have to tell you it is something of which, as Israelis, we are very proud.