Rivlin to Merkel: Hezbollah is forcing Israel to react
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin urges German Chancellor Angela Merkel to recognize the threat posed by Hezbollah on Israel's northern border.
By GREER FAY CASHMAN, JPOST.COM STAFFUpdated: SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 15:29President Reuven Rivlin meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany(photo credit: AMOS BEN GERSHOM, GPO)
President Reuven Rivlin discussed the dangers of Hezbollah in his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Thursday, telling Merkel that "Hezbollah's weapons infrastructure will force Israel to react."Rivlin's bold statement comes after Israel reportedly targeted a regime weapons manufacturing facility in Syria, and Israeli security experts have said that it is highly probable that Israel was forced to launch an attack on the chemical plant due to Hezbollah plans to overtake it.Security dominated the discussion as Rivlin spoke of the intensified threat against Israel in light of the Iranian presence in Syria, and the spread of its influence throughout the Middle East. This could have a disastrous effect on the region and the world, he warned, and could bring the whole region to the brink of war.In discussing the Syrian situation with Merkel, Rivlin emphasized the humanitarian aid that Israel is giving to injured Syrians, regardless of which side of the civil war they are on.Rivlin also spoke of the dangers of Hezbollah, and its effect on the Lebanese population with the backing of Iran. He underscored that Hezbollah constantly ignores and undermines the decisions taken by the UN Security Council.Constant bombardment of Israel by Hezbollah, Rivlin told Merkel, leaves Israel with no option but to respond in kind.The two leaders also spoke of global Jihad, ISIS and other terrorist movements and organizations which threaten world stability.Rivlin pledged that Israel was ready to participate in all efforts by other countries to eradicate terror.The two leaders also spoke of the need to bring the close relations between their countries even closer than they are already.Rivlin thanked Merkel for Germany’s ongoing commitment to Israel’s security under her administration. He added that he hopes that this will continue regardless of which administration is in power, as Merkel is in the final stages of campaigning for a fourth term in office.
Rivlin also thanked Germany for the sale of submarines to Israel, which he said were a vital component in Israel’s security measures, especially in the face of Iran’s support of terror from the air, on land and at sea.Before leaving Munich for Berlin, Rivlin on Wednesday visited the Dachau death camp together with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Rivlin laid a wreath and recited the mourners’ Kaddish.
