Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman spoke overnight (6 August) with US Secretary of State John Kerry, and thanked him for the United States’ unequivocal support for Israel during the discussion held yesterday at the United Nations General Assembly. Thanks to the concerted effort, the adoption of a binding anti-Israeli resolution was prevented.

FM Lieberman told Secretary Kerry that the Palestinian statement in Cairo that they are not committed to the continuation of the ceasefire is coercive. Israel will take this into account and is prepared for any eventuality.

The foreign minister added that Israel is not interested in an escalation with Turkey. Israel has so far refrained from responding to the harsh statements and accusations by Prime Minister Erdogan against Israel, and hopes that after the Turkish elections next Sunday these attacks will cease. If not, Israel will respond.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)