In the past, he had played an important role in normalizing relations between Israel and some Arab countries. He notably led the first official Israeli delegation to Khartoum (Sudan). Former Minister of Intelligence and Economy under the previous governments of Benyamin Netanyahu, Eli Cohen has held the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel since the beginning of this year. This July 19, he meets in Paris, and for the first time, his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna. Interview.
L’Express: What is the purpose of your visit to France?
Relations between Israel and France are strategic. It should also be remembered that France is home to the third largest Jewish community in the world. The Israeli government’s relationship with this important community is essential. Moreover, France is one of Israel’s main allies. On the agenda is a major issue: the Iranian nuclear and ballistic threat as well as its support for terrorism in the Middle East and in the world, including in Europe.
In the past, relations between France and Israel have often been complicated. How would you describe the relationship between Emmanuel Macron and Benjamin Netanyahu?
Relations between States are based on values and a common history. Next year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between the two countries. France played an important role in Israel’s security when it was created. Since then, an open dialogue and a positive and important cooperation have been established between the two countries. Israel and France agree on many important issues and there is real convergence. Even in the event of disagreement, there is a transparent and sincere dialogue.
Regarding the relationship between heads of state, as you know, Prime Minister Netanyahu chose France as the first country to visit, outside the Middle East, after taking office. During a meeting, he discussed with President Macron fundamental issues that concern both countries. The President and the Prime Minister have an excellent knowledge of the past and they know how to work together.
Do you understand the concerns raised in France by the reform of your judicial system? Isn’t Israel in the process of leaving the camp of the liberal democracies to join that of the “democrats”?
Israel is a strong and vibrant democracy. The Zionist movement created democratic and egalitarian institutions even before the establishment of the state. The issue of legal reform is currently the subject of heated public and political debate in Israel. This debate is taking place in Parliament, in the media and in demonstrations on both sides. This reform will further strengthen Israeli democracy with a better balance between the authorities. And this debate is a testament to the resilience of our democracy.
The situation in the West Bank is of great concern to France, which has called on Israel to preserve civilians during the Jenin operation. The Israeli government takes this kind of statement badly. For what ?
Since the beginning of the year, there have been hundreds of terrorist attacks and more than 30 Israelis have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists. Due to Palestinian terrorism and the circumstances that compel Israel to act against it, the security services and the military (IDF) work to reach only the terrorists and their messengers. In the last counter-terrorism operation in Jenin, the operation exclusively targeted terrorists, while taking all necessary measures to avoid harming civilians. No army in the world takes as many measures as the IDF to avoid harming civilians, even when operating in densely populated areas and in cases where terrorists use civilians as human shields.
We appreciate France’s commitment to Israel’s security and its legitimacy to defend itself against terrorism. In our view, it is always important to present the context of Israel’s actions to eradicate terrorism. The Palestinian leaders must take their responsibilities, prevent the strengthening of terrorist organizations on their territory and prevent any unnecessary escalation. Israel has a clear and unequivocal obligation to protect its citizens and preserve their lives, like all other countries in the world. The goal of Palestinian terrorism is to harm Jews everywhere in Israel, indiscriminately and brutally.
Under the impetus of the extreme right, very present in your government, colonization is intensifying in the West Bank. Has Israel renounced the two-state solution?
Construction in the West Bank is not an obstacle to peace. The real obstacle to peace is the Palestinian refusal to sit at the negotiating table, as well as the continued incitement against Israel and the Jews, the education of anti-Semitism and the encouragement of terrorism in the form of ” Pay for Slay”, a policy of paying salaries to terrorists by the Palestinian Authority. Nowhere else in the world does an official authority so blatantly encourage violence and terrorism. The day the Palestinians renounce terrorism and fight it, we will support actions for their prosperity and regional stability.
You talk about Palestinian terrorism, but you have your own extremists: the famous young people of the hills…
Israel is a state of law and order and I oppose any rule of law activity by people who are not authorized to do so. Any attack on innocent people is unacceptable. Any attempt to do justice to oneself will be met with a determined response. I have personally condemned and I condemn any violation of the law, as do Israel’s senior political and security leaders. The triple announcement made by the head of the Shin Bet, the chief of staff and the prefect of police illustrates the determination of all the structures of the Israeli system to deal with this matter firmly.
You are members of the security cabinet. In the absence of an agreement with Iran, is Israel preparing an attack against Iranian nuclear sites?
Iran poses a significant threat not only to Israel, but also to the stability of the region. The extremist regime of the Ayatollahs in Iran publicly calls for the destruction of the State of Israel and strives to secure the means to do so. The latest developments show that Iran is rushing to realize its nuclear ambitions and is helping to undermine security in the Middle East and beyond. We expect the international community, including France, to act by all political, diplomatic and economic means to prevent Iran from pursuing its nuclear program. In our view, international pressure at all levels, including political and economic, as well as a credible military threat, is needed to stop Iran’s military nuclear program. Along with international pressure, Israel has repeatedly made clear that it will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear capabilities.
The Israeli press widely reported on the urban riots in France. How do you view these events?
This is an internal French issue, and we have confidence in the French government, which has been able to protect the Jewish community and its institutions and to prevent anti-Semitic attacks under the auspices of protests or demonstrations, as has produced in recent events. In this context, on behalf of the State of Israel, I would like to thank President Macron and the French government for their actions in the fight against anti-Semitism, both in France and in the European arena.
French immigration to Israel has dried up in recent years. The Jewish Agency is said to be preparing a plan to accommodate Jews from France if they were targeted in future riots. Is it correct ?
Israel is the national home of the Jewish people. Any Jew, anywhere in the world, can immigrate to Israel whenever they want. It is a personal decision of each of them.