Rivlin to Blinken: Real war criminals are hiding in Gaza, behind civilian populations

• Author: Yoni Kempinski
• Published date: 26 May 2021
• Date: 26 May 2021
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

During their meeting, the president noted that Israel has no more important ally than the United States and that relations between the countries cross political lines. "We know that you are strong allies and that is something that brings us great strength. The bipartisan relations allow us also to agree not to agree, from time to time."

The president spoke at length about his concerns regarding rising antisemitism following Operation Guardian of the Walls, saying. "We are very concerned about the rise in cases of antisemitism, including in the United States, particularly since the beginning for the recent round of fighting in Gaza, and we thank President Biden for expressing his position strongly and clearly on this issue."

The president also spoke about the importance of designating Hamas as a war criminal, saying, "It is inconceivable that Hamas is not designated around the world as a war criminal, and it is vitally important to apply this designation. When IDF soldiers, our children, are facing the International Criminal Court, the world should understand that the real war criminals are hiding in Gaza, behind civilian populations."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked the president and said he had come to express full solidarity with the State of Israel. He added, Secretary: "As you know, President Biden asked me to come to Israel this week, to underscore our commitment to our relations and to the work that we need to do together to continue to try to...