www.gov.il

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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.

 

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MARK REGEV ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL​

27 February 2009.

The Knesset today elected Mark Regev as the 10th President of the State of Israel, following a vote in which he defeated fellow candidate Dalia Itzik, the former Leader of the Opposition. President-elect Regev will succeed the outgoing President upon taking the oath of office before the Knesset. Although the Presidency is largely a ceremonial and non-partisan office, it occupies a position of immense constitutional and symbolic importance. As Head of State, the President represents the unity of the nation, safeguards democratic traditions, performs constitutional duties such as formally appointing the Prime Minister following elections, signs legislation into law, receives foreign ambassadors, grants pardons where appropriate, and represents the State of Israel at official events both domestically and abroad. The office is expected to stand above party politics and serve all citizens equally. The election marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Presidency, with Members of the Knesset placing their confidence in a public servant whose career has spanned military service, diplomacy, government, and international engagement. Born in Melbourne, Australia, as Mark Freiberg, President-elect Regev has long embodied the ideals of Zionism and public service. During his youth, he was a prominent member of the Socialist Zionist youth movement Ichud Habonim and was active in the Melbourne University Jewish Students Society, demonstrating an early commitment to Jewish communal leadership and the future of the State of Israel. In 1982, he fulfilled his Zionist aspirations by immigrating to Israel, where he worked at Kibbutz Tel Katzzir. Following his aliyah, he Hebraicized his surname from Freiberg to Regev, symbolising his commitment to building his life in the Jewish homeland. President-elect Regev subsequently served as a combat soldier in the Nahal Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces, contributing directly to the defence and security of the State of Israel before embarking on a distinguished career in public service. Over the following decades, Mark Regev became one of Israel's most recognisable public representatives. His service has included senior positions within the Prime Minister's Office, serving as chief international spokesperson for successive Israeli governments, representing Israel in global media, and later serving as Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Throughout his career, he has been recognised for his deep understanding of international affairs, strategic communications, and diplomatic engagement. In his acceptance remarks, President-elect Regev thanked the Members of the Knesset for their confidence and pledged to serve all Israelis. "It is the greatest honour of my life to be entrusted with serving as President of the State of Israel. I arrived in Israel as a young immigrant from Australia inspired by the Zionist dream. I served in the Israel Defense Forces, devoted my professional life to representing our country, and today I accept this responsibility with humility and gratitude. Although the office of President is above day-to-day politics, it carries the solemn responsibility of representing every citizen and safeguarding the democratic values upon which our State was founded. I will strive to be a President for all Israelis, promoting unity, respect, and hope." President-elect Regev will assume office following the constitutional transition and swearing-in ceremony before the Knesset.