More than 100 retired Israeli ambassadors and diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Wednesday, December 31, 2022 their concern that the policy of the next government led by Benjamin Netanyahu could harm Tel Aviv’s foreign relations.
This came in a letter they sent to Netanyahu, according to the official broadcaster that published its text, a day before the Prime Minister-designate presented his government to gain confidence before the Knesset (Parliament).
The former ambassadors and diplomats said in their letter, “We, the undersigned, who have proudly represented the country abroad over the years, would like to express to you our concern and fear of serious damage to Israel’s foreign relations, position and interests as a result of the government’s policy.”
They also expressed concerns about statements made by those who will occupy high positions in the government and the Knesset, in addition to publications about expected changes in “Judea and Samaria”. They also expressed concerns regarding the enactment of a number of extreme laws that may lead to discrimination and oppression against minorities.
According to the coalition agreements between Netanyahu and his partners in the right wing, the head of the “Religious Zionism” party, Bezalel Smotrich, will be appointed as an additional minister in the Ministry of Defense, with broad powers over managing the lives of Palestinians and settlers in the West Bank.
The agreement also provides for the “legalization” of small settlement outposts established by Israeli settlers on the lands of the West Bank, without the prior approval of the Israeli government, within 60 days of the formation of the government.
According to their letter, there is no doubt that the expected legal opinion in the International Court of Justice will be affected by recent changes and developments, and may have an impact on the international commercial presence and foreign investments in Israel.
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