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STATEMENT FROM FOREIGN MINISTER YAIR LAPID ON TURKISH STATEMENT​

25 February 2009.

The State of Israel categorically rejects Prime Minister Ayşe Çiller's criticism of Australia's sovereign decision regarding its embassy in Jerusalem and rejects any suggestion that Israel's legitimate security measures should be equated with obstacles to peace. Israel has an inherent and non-negotiable right to defend its citizens against terrorism. This is not a matter of political convenience but a fundamental right recognised under international law. No responsible government would stand idle while its civilians are subjected to rocket attacks, suicide bombings, cross-border incursions or other acts of terrorism. Israel will continue to take all lawful and necessary measures to protect its people, just as any sovereign nation would. We find it striking that Türkiye calls upon Israel to exercise restraint while openly preparing military operations beyond its own borders against organisations it designates as terrorist threats. If Türkiye asserts that it has the right to use military force to protect its national security, it cannot credibly deny Israel that same right. Security cannot be a principle that applies to one nation but not another. Australia's decision concerning its embassy is a sovereign matter for the Australian Government. It neither predetermines the outcome of future negotiations nor diminishes the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Attempts to portray such decisions as the primary obstacle to peace ignore the far more fundamental challenge: the persistent threat of terrorism and the refusal of extremist organisations to recognise Israel's right to exist. Israel remains committed to achieving a lasting peace through direct negotiations without preconditions. But peace cannot be built on demands that Israel compromise the safety of its citizens. There can be no expectation that Israel should exercise restraint while terrorist organisations are permitted to attack Israeli communities with impunity. No democratic government has that obligation, and Israel will not apologise for fulfilling its first duty: protecting the lives and security of its people. Israel values constructive relations with Türkiye and all nations in the region. Those relationships, however, must be founded on mutual respect, consistency and recognition that every sovereign state has both the right and the responsibility to defend its citizens against terrorism. Israel will continue to pursue peace where it is possible, but it will never do so at the expense of its national security.